Aston Villa reporter John Townley has confirmed the club’s interest in Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu, with an approach made and the player open to a Premier League return.

The Lowdown: Forward wanted

Unai Emery has been promised a ‘huge’ 2023 transfer budget by NSWE and seemingly wants to add to his ranks in the final third.

Reports in recent months claimed that the Villa manager wanted to sign a new versatile forward, with players like Nicolas Jackson and Joao Felix linked.

Speculation over a move for Deulofeu has emerged more recently, and a further update has now come to light.

The Latest: Townley’s post

Birmingham Live reporter Townley took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share what he knows about Villa and Deulofeu.

He ‘confirmed’ that an enquiry has been made, with the Spaniard, who he said is in the ‘best form of his career’, open to a return to England.

“Had it confirmed AVFC are interested in Gerard Deulofeu and have enquired about his availability - Unai Emery has previously worked with the winger. Understand Deulofeu is open to a move back to the Premier League. He is in the best form of his career.”

The Verdict: Realistic?

A move for Deulofeu could well be realistic and one that appears to now be picking up some serious pace.

The 28-year-old has impressed over the past 18 months, netting a senior career-best 13 league goals last season and already contributing to ten goals during the current campaign.

He ticks the box in regards to being able to play anywhere across the front three and is now into the final 18 months of his contract, so Udinese may see this as the ideal time to sell, especially if their attacker has his eyes on an exit.