Aston Villa ‘join’ Newcastle United, Wolves and Leeds United in ‘hot pursuit’ of Euro 2016 hero

Aston Villa are reportedly one of numerous Premier League teams interested in signing out-of-contract Borussia Dortmund defender Raphael Guerreiro. Looking ahead to the summer for a squad overhaul under Unai Emery, The Villans are said to have set their sights on Guerreiro as a replacement for left-back Lucas Digne.

Although a player with plenty of experience across Europe’s top divisions, Digne has struggled for consistent game time at the start of the new era at Villa Park. Various reports over the last few months - including this one - have suggested Emery believes he can do better in that position.

Alex Moreno was of course signed during the January window, but The Lions’ head coach will want depth in numbers as his side look to push for European football for years to come. If Digne were to leave, it would leave a spot open for another left-back to join – whether that be Guerreiro or someone else.

90min reports there is shared interest in two options from a trio of Premier League clubs, with Villa, Leeds United and Newcastle United all interested in Guerreiro, whose contract at Dortmund expires in June. Not only that, but out-of-favour Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is another player being looked at by all three sides.

Competition for Guerreiro’s signature is rife, with several clubs in Italy, Spain and Germany all keeping tabs on the 29-year-old. Wolves are also keen. With 26 appearances, four goals and eight assists across all competitions this term - including the Bundesliga and Champions League - it comes as no surprise that interest is high.

Since signing for Dortmund from Lorient in 2016, Guerreiro has played 214 times, netting 38 goals and contributing 45 assists in the process. A full international with Portugal, the wing-back has 61 senior caps to his name. He was also part of the Portugal squad that famously won the UEFA European Championship in 2016.