‘At right time’ - Aston Villa target wanted by Newcastle, Everton & PSG open to £35m transfer

Aston Villa have been dealt a potential transfer news boost ahead of the January window, with midfield target Andrey Santos reportedly open to making a move to Europe. The 18-year-old is highly sort after, with Newcastle United, Everton, and Paris Saint-Germain all said to hold a strong interest.

Santos, who plays for Brasilia Serie B side CR Vasco da Gama, has netted eight league goals in 33 appearances in 2022 - despite playing predominantly as a central midfielder. Newcastle reportedly had a £17.5 million bid rejected for Santos in the summer, with the Brazilian outfit wanting double that figure.

Vasco reportedly value Santos at £35 million - a fee that will likely put off some suitors. But Villa remain strongly linked to his services, and the player, who is well aware of interest in Europe, has hinted he is open to a move across the globe. “I am happy for everything that is happening,” Santos told Globo Esporte.

“It is the result of a lot of work, everything happening naturally. I am happy about my first season as a professional. I’ve always scored a lot of goals and I am able to maintain consistency. I know that everything will happen at the right time for my dreams to come true - but there’s nothing for now.”

If Santos were to head to swap Rio de Janeiro for Villa Park, he would be adding depth to an already-packed midfield. He would be competing with the likes of fellow Brazilian Douglas Luiz, summer signings Boubacar Kamara and Leander Dendoncker, and former Marseille star Morgan Sanson - giving new manager Unai Emery plenty of options.