Aston Villa eye La Liga defensive star as January transfer option

Real Betis star Diego Llorente could be a transfer target for Aston Villa in January.

According to reports from Football Insider, the Spain international has emerged as a new option for Unai Emery as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Villa are pushing for a place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League in early 2025 and Llorente would provide Emery with cover in central defense as the season progresses.

Despite struggling to adapt during his previous Premier League spell at Leeds United, Emery is confident the 31-year-old has developed his game since then.

However, it will not be easy to get him away from the Estadio Benito Villamarin as his current contract runs until 2028.

With Llorente less than six months under contract, it will take a major effort from Emery to secure a deal, but the prospect of playing in the Champions League could be a crucial factor as his transfer value is at such n ten million euros.