Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has shared what he knows following rumours of a move for Joao Felix.

The Lowdown: Felix speculation

NSWE have promised Unai Emery a ‘huge’ transfer budget in 2023, with the manager after a new A-list forward.

That man could be Felix, who is currently at the World Cup with Portugal but has recently been linked with a move to the Midlands.

Reports from Spain have suggested that Villa are currently 'negotiating' with Atletico Madrid to sign the forward, who is 'destined to leave' the Spanish club as we approach the January window.

The Latest: Preece’s update

Preece took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to share what he knows about a possible move to Villa Park for Felix.

He said that Villa ‘have been informed of Felix's situation’ and ‘have chucked their hat in the ring’. However, he personally feels a transfer is ‘unrealistic’.

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“Joao Felix can go, says Atletico Madrid CEO. As I understand it, AVFC have been informed of Felix's situation, have asked the question & have chucked their hat in the ring, as it were. Still feels totally unrealistic but who knows”

The Verdict: You never know…

Villa’s owners NSWE may have the financial pull to sign a marquee forward like Felix after spending more than £400m since their return to the Premier League, so a transfer shouldn’t be ruled out just yet.

Emery’s presence in the Midlands could also play a factor, with the 23-year-old contributing to 51 goals in 129 games for Atletico and the Spaniard seeing it all first hand during his time in La Liga.

He appears to fit the bill in terms of his versatility in attack, so this could be one to keep an eye on, especially after the club managed to sign a huge name in Philippe Coutinho earlier this year.