Stunning Aston Villa coup takes shape after Man Utd approach for classy striker comes to nothing

Aston Villa are now best placed to secure the signing of a classy frontman after a move to PSG collapsed and approaches from Man Utd and Newcastle came to nothing, per reports.

The future of Joao Felix is a topic that seems to surface with each passing transfer window. Indeed, the Portuguese, 23, is known to share an extremely strained relationship with Atletico Madrid boss, Diego Simeone.

That resulted in Felix becoming the most expensive loan signing ever when farmed out to Chelsea in January.

Felix looked a cut above most in Chelsea’s final third, though the Blues have opted against pursuing an outright move.

As such, Felix has returned to Atletico, though growing speculation suggests he’ll not remain for long.

Indeed, Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk brought news of Felix’s camp holding talks with Man Utd, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

That came on the back of both Felix and Atletico determining another exit is the best course of action for all involved.

However, amid fears Atletico won’t be able to recoup anything close to their £113m outlay, another loan exit is on the horizon.

Newcastle would benefit greatly from Felix’s European experience ahead of their first return to the Champions League since 2003.

Elsewhere, the Manchester Evening News reported Erik ten Hag wants a second, more versatile forward once an out-and-out striker is signed. Felix would fit that billing being capable of operating up front, as a second striker or as an attacking midfielder.

However, according to Marca journalist David Medina, the only club firmly in the race to sign Felix is Aston Villa.

For whatever reason, Man Utd and Newcastle are reportedly no longer pursuing Felix. That’ll be welcome news at Villa Park, and there’s a further boost by way of L’Equipe.

Indeed, the French publication reported Felix had been offered to PSG. However, PSG have rejected the chance to sign Felix in a move that further opens the door for Aston Villa to swoop.

Bringing Felix to Villa Park would be a momentous coup for Unai Emery who has already landed a pair of big names this summer.

Youri Tielemans has joined as a free agent from Leicester, while Spain international Pau Torres (£31.5m) has arrived from Villarreal.

One issue Villa will face comes in the fact they don’t have Champions League football on offer next season. Per Sport Witness, UCL football is among Felix’s top priorities when choosing his next club.

But if Medina is correct and Villa are the only side in the mix, Felix may have to relax his demands in that regard.

The alternative is remaining at Atletico – something neither he or Simeone seemingly want.

With Villa also determined to snap up Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting transfer windows in the club’s history.

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