Aston Villa ready to seal Joao Felix transfer from Atletico Madrid

Aston Villa could go head-to-head with Benfica to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid this summer, according to Football Transfers.

Duncan Castles has reported, via The Transfers Podcast (4 July) that the Villans are interested in signing the Portuguese attacker.

It appears that Unai Emery is an admirer of the former Barcelona loanee who has also been linked to a return to his boyhood club Benfica.

Castles said: "There is a good regard between Felix and Unai Emery. If Aston Villa can get themselves in a position financially, they could compete with Benfica."

Guillem Balague suggested that he wasn't completely sold on the potential transfer: "It sounds like a risk to put so much money into one player."

Aston Villa interested in Joao Felix

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with Barcelona where he didn't rip up any trees and a return does not look likely.

A return to the Wanda Metropolitano also appears to be off the cards with Felix not being a favourite under Diego Simeone.

A return to Benfica could prove to be what the forward needs to reinvigorate his career which has gone stale in recent years.

A loan move to Chelsea could have helped, but after being sent off on his debut, the 24-year-old has failed to truly find his feet.

It is unclear whether or not the Atletico man would fit in with Emery's system given his lack of work rate at times under Simeone.

Alongside Ollie Watkins, the forward could prove to be a very useful addition with an injection of pace and technical ability on the ball.

A deal could be struck with the La Liga outfit this summer although with Benfica interested a move could be difficult.

In other Aston Villa news, Bryan King has shared his delight at some confirmed transfer news coming out of 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.