Aston Villa targeting former Everton man Gerard Deulofeu

Aston Villa are in talks with Udinese for Spanish winger Gerard Deulofeu, reports Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web.

Since the appointment of Unai Emery, Aston Villa have managed to steer themselves clear of relegation danger. The former Arsenal boss has taken charge of six league games, winning four – including victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

This has taken the Midlands club up to 11th place, nine points clear of the relegation zone. Should they maintain their form, they could get themselves in contention for the European spots.

The Villans have already been busy in the January transfer window, bringing in Alex Moreno from Real Betis and Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire.

And their next signing could be on the way soon. According to Italian source Tutto Mercato Web, Aston Villa have been in contact with Udinese for winger Gerard Deulofeu.

Deulofeu has been one of Udinese’s standout players this term. He has recorded six assists in Serie A, a tally beaten only by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Khvicha Khvaratskhelia.

The 28-year-old has worked with Emery in the past during his loan spell at Sevilla in the 2014/15 campaign. Together, they won the Europa League, although he was not a regular starter.

He has also previously played in the Premier League with Everton and Watford. He has a total of 127 appearances in the English top-flight, scoring 20 and assisting 21.

Should he make the switch to Villa Park, Deulofeu would be competing with the likes of Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia, and Philippe Coutinho for game time. The former is the club’s second-top scorer this season, behind Danny Ings.

Next up for Emery’s men is a trip to St. Mary’s to face relegation strugglers Southampton. They begin February with a home fixture against Leicester City, before facing title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.