La Liga hotshot 'picks new club' after Aston Villa and Man Utd contact

Aston Villa and Manchester United have reportedly been told Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal's preferred transfer destination amid recent speculation.

The 26-year-old has bounced back this season following 12 months out with a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Eight goals and one assist in 19 La Liga appearances have marked an impressive return to form, regaining the attention of clubs around Europe, as well as in the Premier League.

It was feared Oyarzabal would never be the same after his injury but his intelligence, composure and technical ability certainly remain. The Spain international scored 10 goals or more in four consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2021, before netting nine in 22 games in 2021/22 ahead of his ACL tear.

Reports in Spain claim Oyarzabal has been a long-standing target of Man Utd, with a €60 million (£51.5 million) release clause ready to be activated. Villa are also lurking, however, and it's claimed Unai Emery's side would be chosen over the Red Devils.

Villa are also interested in Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with another £51.5 million release clause available to be triggered. It remains to be seen whether the interest for both players stands for the winter or summer but signing one would make the transfer more tempting for the other.