Aston Villa set sights on Championship and Serie A pair as the January transfer window opens

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu. Unai Emery is looking to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad now the January transfer window is open.

According to a report by the Daily Mail, both Sarr and Deulofeu are on his ‘list’ of targets this month. Villa picked up an impressive 2-0 away win at Tottenham Hotspur this weekend courtesy of goals by Emi Buendia and Douglas Luiz.

Sarr, 24, saw a move to Villa Park fall through last summer but could now emerge back on the radar of the Premier League club. He has scored six goals so far this term in the Championship for the Hornets but they will be sweating over his long-term future once again this winter.

Deulofeu played for Watford from 2018 to 2021 and has also represented the likes of Barcelona, Everton and Sevilla in the past. Now 28, his chances of coming back to the top flight may become few and far between but Emery could now see him as someone to add more competition and depth to his attacking options.

He has caught the eye playing in Serie A over the past two-and-a-half years and has chipped in with 18 goals in 67 games in all competitions to date. His contract expires in June 2024.

Aston Villa have a big window ahead now and have been linked with a few names to keep their supporters excited. They have risen up to 12th position in the table.