Aston Villa are reportedly contemplating whether to join the race to sign RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner in January.
The West Midlands outfit are currently enjoying their best campaign for three decades as they challenge for the Premier League title.
Although they missed out on going top of the standings on Friday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sheffield United, Villa edged up to second between Arsenal and Liverpool, who meet on Saturday.
Villa's form is all the more impressive courtesy of also having successfully negotiated a route through to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League, their initial priority for the season.
However, being in contention for the Premier League and a European trophy is expected to lead to reinforcements being sought at the midway point of the campaign.
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Unai Emery can claim to be relatively well stocked in the final third, the likes of Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey and Nicolo Zaniolo providing creative options with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran competing to lead the attack.
Nevertheless, with Emiliano Buendia still several months away from making a return from a serious knee injury, Emery realistically requires further alternatives.
According to Football Insider, there is interest in trying to tempt Werner into making a return to England's top flight.
The 27-year-old's spell with Chelsea divided opinion, the versatile frontman not necessarily producing the numbers expected but he still chipped in with 10 goals and 13 assists from 56 Premier League appearances, many of them from the flanks or as a substitute.
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In his second campaign back at Leipzig, Werner has fallen significantly down the pecking order, being restricted to just two starts and 10 substitute outings in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
For a number of weeks, it has been widely reported that Leipzig are open to a departure - most likely on loan - and Werner will not be short of options once business reopens at the start of 2024.
West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace have also been credited with an interest in Werner, yet Villa are seemingly ready to make an effort to secure a high-profile signing as he look to win silverware.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Werner would prefer to return to the Premier League, where he has a point to prove, or in mainland Europe, where other opportunities will realistically arrive.
Darren Plant
