Aston Villa are currently busy on the transfer front as they look to bring in new signings and also move several players on.
For instance, the Villans have already completed the deal for Lewis Dobbin, which also saw midfielder Tim Iroegbunam go to Everton.
Villa are also likely to conclude the deal involving Douglas Luiz’s move to Juventus pretty soon. This will see the Villans receive cash and two players in exchange.
While several concrete discussions are taking place, Villa also continue to be linked with other players as they look to make their squad Champions League-worthy.
The Villans are now being linked with a “world-class” midfielder from Spain, though he is apparently on the radar of ‘half of Europe’, and won’t come cheap.
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Aston Villa told Brais Mendez will cost £53million
The player in question is Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Brais Mendez and, according to AS, the Villans have set their sights on him.
As well as Villa, the likes of Roma, Juventus and Napoli are also eyeing the 27-year-old, who is said to have a €60million (£53million) release clause.
However, the report claims that Sociedad aren’t willing to negotiate over Mendez’s valuation, and that only triggering his release clause will do.
In addition, the player is said to be happy at the club, as he feels important. With that in mind, he doesn’t feel the need to change scene, added the report.
Who is Aston Villa target Mendez?
Brais Mendez is a 27-year-old midfielder who plies his trade for Real Sociedad and represents Spain at international level.
The 6ft talent came through the ranks at Celta Vigo before joining Sociedad in July 2022 for a reported €14million (£12million) fee.
Mendez has made 91 appearances for his club, registering 19 goals and 17 assists. He has also won four caps for La Roja, scoring once.
Kieran Tierney, who was on loan at Sociedad last season, listed the reported Villa target as one of several “world-class” players at the club.
“You have world-class players like Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Mendez,” the Irish Examiner quoted him as saying.
“It’s not that people don’t think they’re good, it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class.”
Meanwhile, former Celta player Quique de Lucas told Sky Sports in 2019: “He’s a very intelligent and classy Spanish player.
“He can play in all the attacking positions but he stood out when playing on the right-hand side.
“He likes to come in to midfield and be involved, and being a left-footer on the right makes him difficult to track and to defend against.”