The Villans are considering a proposal for a very highly-rated attacker on the continent, according to a recent report.
Unai Emery looks set to add three new additions to his squad, with Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea set to follow Lewis Dobbin – who has already been confirmed.
Villa are continuing their search for an attacking playmaker and have now identified a talented Portugal international.
Aston Villa consider bid for Pedro Goncalves
According to A Bola, Aston Villa are considering a bid for Sporting playmaker Pedro Goncalves, who has a £67m release clause.
Villa have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old and are ‘considering a new attack’ this window as they look to assemble a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.
Sporting are expected to use his release clause as a starting point in negotiations, so it’s likely his sale will be sanctioned for much lower than that.
Leverkusen have already tested the waters with a £25m bid previously but that wasn’t enough to tempt the Portuguese club into a sale.
Pedro Goncalves statistics
Goncalves enjoyed a phenomenal season last term, netting 18 goals whilst laying on 17 assists, taking his total goal involvements to a staggering 35.
As per FBref, he ranked in the top two per cent for assists compared to his positional peers across Europe, evincing his terrific playmaking abilities.
That’s a profile Emery’s side are missing, so he’d be the ideal man to operate just behind Ollie Watkins next season.
The only potential stumbling block would be Sporting’s price tag, as Villa may not be able to outlay a substantial amount this summer due to their Financial Fair Play constraints
Perhaps they could offer a player to lower the fee.