Ilaix Moriba 'leading candidate' to move as Aston Villa target 'major' deal, approaches made

Aston Villa have kept tabs on Celta Vigo talent Ilaix Moriba this summer.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a Villa Park switch as Unai Emery looks to add to his squad.

Financial troubles are likely to impact what the Spaniard can do again, so clever dealings are going to be required once again.

That has prompted interest in various targets as the Villans look to utilise their limited funds in the most effective way.

The Guinea international has emerged as a target after a positive stint in LaLiga.

Moriba could be on the move imminently as Aston Villa could make a deal happen quickly.

Ilaix Moriba could leave Celta Vigo as deadline set for 'major' summer sale

It appears that midfield reinforcements are on the shortlist for the claret and blue outfit this summer.

That makes total sense after Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana and John McGinn all faced injury problems throughout the season.

The Guinean could prove to be a useful option as a defensive-minded head at the base of midfield.

Villa could now have a perfect chance to make a deal happen after local outlet Faro De Vigo reported on Thursday that Celta need to complete a "major summer sale".

They need to balance the books and avoid a fourth consecutive year of losses so could be forced to complete a departure before 30 June, although the need has been decreased due to Europa League prize money.

Moriba is one star who could be on the way out to meet those needs after initial enquiries were made amid interest from Aston Villa, Brighton and Juventus.

With just days remaining until the end of June, a deal could accelerate as Celta look to avoid another financial blow.

How much could Aston Villa pay for Moriba?

There has long been plenty of noise surrounding the midfielder after breaking through the Barcelona academy to begin his career.

Back in 2021, then-Barca manager Ronald Koeman described him as a "great talent".

He has gone on to play for RB Leipzig, Valencia, Getafe and now Celta Vigo.

Moriba joined the latter for a reported fee in the region of £5million last summer after an initial loan move from the Bundesliga.

Just 12 months later, he could be on his way to Villa Park, with even a fee of £10m able to secure Celta a profit of £5m.

Even at £15m, the Villans could land themselves a bargain and someone who could undoubtedly improve their squad ahead of a busy campaign.