Aston Villa hijack £10m transfer, Monchi in advanced talks for blockbuster deal

Aston Villa are now in advanced talks to sign Levante star Andres Garcia after hijacking Sporting CP's bid to sign the right-back, according to Super Deporte.

The Spanish news outlet reported via their website on Friday afternoon (17 January) that a "radical turn" in negotiations has led to the Villans stealing a march on Sporting's bid to sign the 21-year-old.

It is understood that the Premier League club is now in "pole position" to sign Garcia with Monchi and co ready to trigger his £10million release clause at Levante.

Super Deporte claim that financially, Villa will offer a better package than Sporting CP would have been able to pay.

Andres Garcia close to Aston Villa transfer

Garcia has played 23 times in all competitions for La Liga 2 club Levante this season, scoring three goals and supplying three assists in the second tier.

Aston Villa are in need of extra depth in the right-back position.

Matty Cash and 19-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic are Emery's only two out-and-out right-backs while Ezri Konsa can also play there but is preferred at centre-back.

There's a feeling that Emery doesn't quite see Nedeljkovic as being ready to star regularly in his first team just yet while 27-year-old Poland international Cash has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form over the last year or so.

Garcia will turn 22 next month.

He's only played 50 times for Levante and is yet to play in a top European league.

However, Monchi is someone who knows Spanish football inside out and you can guarantee he knows a thing or two about the Valencia-born flyer.

In other Aston Villa news, terms are agreed for this player to leave Villa Park.

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.