Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to sign in-demand Sevilla defender Loic Bade.
The West Midlands outfit have already secured their first deal of the January transfer window, completing the signing of Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen on Tuesday night.
However, with Unai Emery bidding to keep Villa in contention for the Premier League top five, as well as go deep in the Champions League, further additions feel inevitable.
A metatarsal injury to star centre-back Pau Torres has forced Emery's hand in defence, leading to a number of potential alternatives being suggested.
According to the Daily Mail, Villa have upped their efforts to sign Bade over the coming weeks.
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Return to Midlands in the offing?
The 24-year-old has developed into a key man at Sevilla, making a total of 76 appearances for the Spanish side since making his debut during the 2022-23 campaign.
His performances this season led to a call-up to Didier Deschamps's France squad, albeit without making his senior debut for Les Bleus.
Nevertheless, it highlighted that Bade is now highly-regarded on the European scene having failed to make a single outing during a loan spell with Nottingham Forest prior to making an impact in Seville.
Bade has recently been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United, the former allegedly viewing him as someone who can challenge for a spot in Arne Slot's backline.
Although Sevilla do not necessarily have to be rushed into a sale, there will be an acknowledgement that they could significantly boost their position with La Liga's financial regulations by cashing in on the 24-year-old when they sit relatively safe in 13th place in the table.
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One in, one out?
Villa have also been credited as admirers in Oscar Mingueza, who has been starring at Celta Vigo, as they begin to consider parting ways with Diego Carlos.
The Brazilian, who coincidentally starred at Sevilla before moving to Villa, is only regarded as a squad option by Emery and has been linked with a move elsewhere.
That said, Villa will not give the green light to a sale until they have found a suitable replacement with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings the only other central-defensive options as it stands.
Darren Plant
