Aston Villa are closely monitoring Sporting Lisbon forward Pedro Goncalves ahead of a potential summer move.

The Lowdown: Goncalves profiled

The 24-year-old is primarily a left winger who can also play on the right or in an attacking midfield role.

The Portugal international, who was previously on the books at Wolves, moved to Sporting in 2020 and has contributed to 80 goals in 112 appearances for his current club.

Labelled as ‘mature and composed’ by journalist Josh Bunting, Goncalves is under contract until 2026, but it seems as if Villa are eyeing a possible swoop.

The Latest: Villa linked with Goncalves

Sport Witness relayed an update from Record regarding Goncalves in which Villa were mentioned.

They claimed that NSWE are closely following the player and have received very positive reports that they should make a move him as soon as possible, with the 24-year-old having an €80m (£70.8m) release clause.

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The Verdict: One to watch

Christian Purslow is expecting an extremely busy summer on the transfer front, so this update on Goncalves could make the 24-year-old a player to keep an eye upon.

He has starred during the current campaign, scoring 16 times and registering seven assists in 34 appearances, with one of those goal involvements coming in the Champions League against Tottenham.

Goncalves would provide Unai Emery with a versatile attacking option who has been Sporting’s best performer this season with a match average of 7.53/10, as per WhoScored.

That rating is better than any Villa player, with Goncalves also averaging more key passes and dribbles per 90 than anyone in Emery's squad, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that Villa have been handed positive reports on the player.