Ilaix Moriba: The Aston Villa transfer target that Lionel Messi took under his wing

Ilaix Moriba is on Aston Villa's radar and he's learnt a thing or two from none other than Lionel Messi.

The Villans have been keeping tabs on the Celta Vigo talent, who could be joining Unai Emery's side this summer.

A lot of Villa's transfer plans depend on what happens with Morgan Rogers this summer, as NSWE stand firm on his value, which is well above £100million.

Regardless, they would bring in new signings even if they don't sell the England international, as Roberto Olabe looks to use his Spanish connections.

Moriba has emerged on the Villans' radar after a successful two seasons with Celta Vigo, and he could be on the move this summer.

The Guinea international could even come to Villa Park in quick time, and Aston Villa may be interested in his previous history with Messi at Barcelona.

Ilaix Moriba's previous words about Lionel Messi

Faro De Vigo reported earlier this week that Celta Vigo need to complete a "major" sale this summer to balance the books after multiple years of losses.

The Spanish outfit have until 30 June to try and avoid what would be a fourth consecutive year of losses without some big sales.

Moriba is one of their most valuable assets who could leave, as Villa have been named among several other interested Premier League sides.

The 23-year-old is a former product of the Barcelona youth setup, and was fortunate enough to learn from the greatest footballer to have graced the game in Messi.

Moriba paid homage to the Argentina sensation during his breakout 2020-21 season for the Catalan giants, revealing the advice he received from the now Inter Miami star.

Speaking in March of 2021 after scoring his first Barca goal, Moriba said, as quoted by African Football: "Leo gave me a good pass, and I don’t know how I cut and shot with the left, and thank God it went in. I will never forget this, and I will take it to my grave.

"The older players help us, give us advice, Leo tells me to get in the area as often as I can and get in positions to shoot."

Moriba had been involved in first-team training sessions even before making his debut, and was able to learn from Messi many times, an invaluable experience for any player.

But with Villa's finances an interesting talking point of this summer, Moriba's value will be important for any potential deal.

What is Moriba's value?

Moriba made his La Liga debut for Barca in February of 2021, and once again spoke about the dream of playing and learning from the guidance of Messi.

He said, as quoted by Lionel Messi.eu: "I would look up and see Leo and [Antoine] Griezmann – everything was a dream.

"(Messi) is the idol of many players. Anyone who knows football knows that he is the best in the world, and I am grateful for the passes he gave me. I will remember everything. I will never forget anything."

According to Transfermarkt, Moriba's value is around £12.9million.

Villa could get themselves a steal, especially with Celta Vigo in need of selling.