Villa have been linked with a host of January transfer window signings

Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in Celta Vigo wing-back Oscar Mingueza, as the club up their efforts to bring in new players during the January transfer window.

A flurry of reports in recent days have seen the Villans linked with a host of players. The club are understood to be in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over a move for Netherlands international winger Donyell Malen, while Flamengo wing-back Wesley is also believed to be of great interest.

Fresh reports from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, via Sport Witness, suggest that Villa could turn their attentions away from Wesley, and instead pursue a move for Celta Vigo's Mingueza. It has been claimed that Flamengo turned down a £12.4m offer for Wesley, with a fee in excess of £20m being demanded.

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed Villa’s interest in Mingueza, stating on X: “Aston Villa have started talks to explore move for Oscar Mingueza from Celta Vigo. Nothing advanced yet but one of the main targets for the January window as he’s appreciated by the board/Unai Emery.”

Unai Emery’s side are among a number of Premier League clubs expected to be 'walking a tightrope' in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) this month, with any January spending likely to reined in significantly to avoid any potential sanctions. In recent times, both Everton and Nottingham Forest have suffered points deductions after falling foul of the competition's financial regulations.

How much would Mingueza cost Aston Villa?

The former Barcelona starlet is likely to be allowed to leave for around £17m, due to a release clause in the player's contract.

The 25-year-old is capable of playing in a defensive role on either flank, and this invaluable versatility is likely to see demand for his services rise in the January window. So far this season, Mingueza has played in 17 of Celta Vigo's 18 La Liga games, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He has largely been deployed as a right wing-back, but has also featured both on the left and in a defensive midfield role.

In terms of international football, the player has picked up two senior caps for Spain, the most recent coming in the a 3-2 UEFA Nations League win over Switzerland back in November. He also ticked off the bucket list moment of scoring in an El Clasico during his time with Barca, netting a consolation goal in a narrow 2-1 loss to Real Madrid back in 2021.

Which other clubs want to sign Mingueza?

If Villa are indeed looking to sign the versatile defender, they're likely to have some stiff competition to get a deal over the line. Italian duo AC Milan and Roma are both said to be keen on the player, alongside Como, who were promoted to Serie A at the end of last season.

Should Villa and another interested party opt to trigger Mingueza's contract release clause, then it would be down to the player to decide his next move. It is worth noting that while Barcelona do not have a buy-back option, they do have the right of first refusal should a bid be made for their former player - meaning they will be informed should Villa make an offer, and have the opportunity to make one themselves. Barca are also entitled to 50% of a subsequent sale.

Outside the hustle and bustle of the transfer window, Villa picked up a hard-fought victory over Leicester City at the weekend, with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey seeing Emery's side emerge 2-1 winners at Villa Park. Next up for the Villans is an FA Cup third round clash against West Ham United.