Aston Villa are ‘close’ to signing a LaLiga winner according to a recent report from the Spanish media.

Unai Emery has Aston Villa firmly in the top four and it seems a Champions League campaign awaits next season.

That means they’ll have an increased transfer kitty to outlay this summer, as they look to compete against Europe’s elite.

Emery’s men are seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who admittedly have a game in hand but nonetheless, it’s certainly looking promising as they need six points from their remaining three games to seal top four.

With that said, it seems club chiefs are already planning their transfer business and one player is ‘close’ to joining the Villa Park outfit.

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Aston Villa close in on Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso

Aston Villa are ‘close’ to signing Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, according to Spanish outlet AS.

The Villans have approached the £137k-a-week star, who is out of contract this summer, along with Serie A giants Inter.

Villa are in pole position, however, as Hermoso favours a move to the Premier League to work under Emery’s stewardship.

The 28-year-old also warms to the idea of playing alongside compatriots Pau Torres and Alex Moreno in the backline.

Indeed, the financial aspect is thought to be one of the convincing factors for the Spain international, who is valued at £21.4m on Transfermarkt.

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Signing Mario Hermoso would be a shrewd bit of business

If Villa are able to sign Hermoso on a free transfer, it will represent a shrewd piece of business for Emery and Monchi.

The left-footed defender can operate at centre-back or left-back, evincing his tremendous versatility – an increasingly popular trait in the modern game.

Further, the LaLiga winner would add extensive European experience which will be vital if Villa are to realise their Champions League goal.

Hermoso’s deal at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano is due to expire at the end of June, so any forthcoming deal isn’t expected to materialise until he becomes a free agent on July 1.

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