True cost of Diego Carlos to Aston Villa, Newcastle’s £30m transfer plan and target identified

Arguably Aston Villa have done as good a transfer business as anyone in the last 12 months, and in some style.

While the media tend to blaze away with stories on the Premier League behemoths, Villa have got on with the job and made agreements under the radar, to then surprise supporters the country over at their clandestine dealings.

Callum Chambers' arrival came straight out of the blue, as did the transfer of Danny Ings last summer.

And Villa almost repeated the trick with the shrewd capture of Diego Carlos, who was a serious transfer target for Newcastle United and other sides in the last window, as well as when Boubacar Kamara.

The work doesn't stop there either. Villa are hoping to make more additions and that could include former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who could yet offer something at 35.

Here's a look at further Villa transfer rumours as the Midlands outfit builds a squad to compete for Europe next season.

Calvin Bassey move in the works but no imminent transfer (The Telegraph)

Villa are reported to be one of the sides looking closely at the £25m-rated Rangers centre-back.

True cost of Diego Carlos reveals it was a Sevilla steal (ABC)

The Spanish outlet reports that Villa paid less than half of the centre-back's release clause to tie up a deal for the Brazilian centre-back.

Newcastle target Mings to reinforce defence (Daily Star)

The Magpies are hoping to steal the England international for £30m now that Diego Carlos has signed.

Left-back to possibly arrive this window too (The Athletic)

Reporter Gregg Evans says that Villa hope to add a left-sided defender to the squad this window too.

Villa are still interested in Brighton man (RTL France)

According to reports abroad, Villa are one of several clubs tracking Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.

Aston Villa in for Luis Suarez (Daily Mail)

Is this the next signing at Villa Park, with Suarez available on a free transfer.