Aston Villa manager wants reunion with Japan star as Wolves contact Brazilian midfielder

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has reportedly placed Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo at the top of his list of summer transfer targets - and he already knows what he will need to do to secure a deal.

A report in Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed Emery is keen to reunited with the Japan star after he worked under him during the Villa manager’s time in charge of Villarreal. Kubo has been in fine form this season with eight goals and seven assists in 39 appearances in all competitions as his side rapidly close in on a place in next season’s Champions League.

However, the report suggests Emery is ready to press on with a move to take the forward to Villa park and reveals Sociedad would only allow their prize asset to depart if Villa are willing to meet the £52.3m release clause placed into his current contract with the La Liga club.

Wolves make contact with agent of Brazilian midfielder

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly hoping to boost their midfield with the signing of Palmeiras star Gabriel Menino.

Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino has claimed Wolves have already made contact with the agent of the 22-year-old with a view to making a firm move during the summer transfer window. After coming through the youth ranks at Palmeiras, Menino has made over 130 appearances for the Serie A club and his form helped him gain a total of 12 Brazil youth caps at Under-20 and Under-23 level.

With six goals and two assists in 24 appearances in all competitions this season, Menino is highly-rated by the Brazilian club and it seems likely Wolves would have to pay a significant fee to persuade the midfielder to join fellow countrymen Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes as part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad.