Aston Villa have had a bid rejected for FC Porto attacking midfielder Otavio, as per Portuguese outlet Maisfutebol. 

The lowdown: Career so far

Signed from Brazilian outfit Internacional in 2014, Otavio spent a season out on loan at fellow Primeira Liga side Vitoria Guimaraes before returning to Porto, where the creative ace has gone from strength to strength.

The 27-year-old has directly contributed to 86 goals in 237 outings for the Portuguese giants, playing a key role in a side that has lifted the top-flight title on three occasions, the domestic cup twice and the Super Cup twice.

Previously linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United, now it seems as though the Premier League could be calling for Otavio once again this summer...

The latest: Villans make their move

As per Maisfutebol, Aston Villa have recently made a bid for the seven-cap Portugal international.

It's claimed that Porto 'refused an offer' of €30million (£25million) from the Midlands club and will hold out for a €60million (£51million) release clause.

However, the report also states that Otavio currently has a 'discount' on the aforementioned release clause until July 15 which could see the man described as 'underrated' by writer Jamie Farr leave for closer to €40million (£34million).

The verdict: Pay up

If the initial offer was a statement of admiration from Villa and manager Steven Gerrard, NSWE should be willing to go the extra yard required to meet the demands and indeed match the bosses' ambitions.

Last season, Otavio scored five times and provided 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, operating predominantly from the right-wing, a problem position at Villa Park owing to the injuries of Leon Bailey and the inconsistency of the soon-to-be on the move Bertrand Traore.

Overall, the Brazilian-born forward earned a superb 7.48 Sofascore rating - higher than any Villa player managed - whilst winning 7.4 duels, making 2.3 key passes and successfully completing 1.1 dribbles on average per league outing, highlighting a workmanlike side to a game based mainly on having an impact in the final third.

Not only would the addition of Otavio solve a problem position in the Villans' squad but the Portuguese star would also add much-needed versatility to the ranks that could be hugely beneficial in what looks certain to be another long campaign.