Aston Villa have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid duo Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso as potential signings.
Since Unai Emery's arrival during the back end of 2022, the West Midlands outfit have been transformed from relegation candidates to a club with top-four potential.
Villa are also participating in the Europa Conference League during 2023-24, a consequence of finishing in seventh position in the Premier League.
With the likes of Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby having been attracted to Villa Park, the expectation is that more high-profile names could follow in due course.
That may particularly materialise on the back of defender Tyrone Mings and winger Emiliano Buendia being ruled out for the majority of the season with knee injuries.
© Reuters
A recent report claimed that Villarreal playmaker Buena - who has previously worked under Emery at the Yellow Submarine - has been placed on the club's shortlist.
According to another report, Emery may instruct Villa's recruitment team to target deals for Atletico pair Molina and Hermoso.
As per OK Fichajes, Villa are one of three Premier League clubs - the others being Manchester City and Arsenal - who are interested in Argentina international Molina.
Having initially starred for Udinese, the 25-year-old moved to Wanda Metropolitano in 2022 and has since chipped in with five goals and four assists from 44 appearances, the majority of his game time coming from right wing-back.
© Reuters
Although Molina possesses a contract until 2027, he allegedly has a release clause in his contract, one that Atletico are said to be keen on increasing.
Meanwhile, the same outlet says that Hermoso has emerged on Villa's radar at a time when he reportedly has no interest in extending his contract past the end of the season.
The Spain international, who can play at centre-back or left-back, has started each of Atletico's three La Liga fixtures this season, and a total of 132 outings have come since his arrival in 2019.
With it being claimed that Atletico have found it 'impossible' to agree fresh terms, a sale in January is likely with Villa seemingly ready to test their resolve.
Darren Plant
