'Approach made' - Aston Villa motor on with £30m attacker negotiations as Unai Emery gives crucial green light

Aston Villa have reportedly made their first approach to sign Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez after being given the green light by head coach Unai Emery.

The Villans are determined to sign a new wide forward this summer as Marcus Rashford will no longer be joining permanently from Manchester United. Villa had an option to buy Rashford for £40 million but the 62-time England international wants to play in the Champions League and refused to lower his wage demands.

Rodriguez, who has just enjoyed his breakthrough season at Betis, is a viable alternative. Albeit very inexperienced, the 19-year-old showcased last campaign why he could be one of the stars of the future. He may have only scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances, including 24 starts, but he impressed most with his confidence in taking on his man to progress attacks.

The Athletic reports Villa have decided to kickstart an attempt to sign Rodriguez. Senior figures have contacted Betis to outline the parameters of a potential deal and to gauge the interest from the player. Meanwhile, transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed club-to-club talks have begun.

There’s plenty of competition, however, as Liverpool and Man Utd are mentioned as other Premier League clubs keen and the likes of Juventus and Napoli in Serie A are expected to make official approaches. Then there’s RB Leipzig, who have already seen a bid of €20 million (£16.9m) rejected.

It was claimed last week that Betis are set to hold an auction for Rodriguez and could end up reaching the teenager’s €35 million (£29.5m) release clause if they are to sanction a sale. That may seem rather steep for a player of such few senior minutes but potential is expensive and Rodriguez has it in abundance.

How would Jesus Rodriguez fit in at Aston Villa?

It would be difficult to envisage Rodriguez starting right away at Villa given his age and inexperience but he could quite easily become an impact substitute from the off, playing second fiddle to Jacob Ramsey. Rodriguez, who recently played 37 minutes of the Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea, could provide cover on the right wing as well as the left as he’s well-suited to either side.

According to a recent scout report from Jacek Kulig, Rodriguez’s main strengths are pace, acceleration, dribbling, ball control, bravery, work rate and athleticism. As he’s right-footed, he likes to cut in from the left but is also capable of reaching the byline on the opposite flank.

Described as the next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the hot prospect is a current Spain Under-21 international and is expected to take part in the Under-21 European Championship, being held in Slovakia later this month. Rodriguez, explosive as a wide winger or an inside forward, will be eager to start as many matches as possible to further heighten his stock and reputation.

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