Transfer expert Dean Jones has backed up reports of Aston Villa's interest in signing Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix.

The Lowdown: Villa 'favourites' to sign Felix

It was reported earlier this week that Villa are believed to be the 'favourites' to sign the Portugal star, and 'several transfer experts' think that he will move to Villa Park to work with new manager Unai Emery.

The 23-year-old promised so much when he secured a whopping £113m move to Atletico in 2019. However, the deal has been a major disappointment, with just fifth in La Liga and being knocked out of European competition after finishing bottom of their Champions League group.

However, Felix had found some form for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring one goal and supplying two assists in four starts (Transfermarkt) before his team were knocked out by Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Latest: Felix interest 'true'

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has said that 'it is true' that Villa are checking out Felix's situation at Atletico, but admits that it will be 'difficult' for them to sign him as they currently have no European football to offer.

The journalist said: “It is true they are checking out his situation but it is one thing for Villa to have interest in Joao Felix and quite another to actually sign him. He’s a £100million footballer who is looking to become one of the best in the world in his position.

“At the age of 23 and on the back of a decent World Cup, it is difficult to see him joining a side with no European prospects.”

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The Verdict: Move on

Unfortunately for the Villans, it just seems too unlikely at this moment in time that they would be able to attract Felix to Villa Park ahead of some top European clubs.

The likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have recently been linked with a move for the attacker, while other clubs are sure to take notice of his impressive performances for Portugal at the World Cup.

Emery has a rebuilding job to do at Villa following the sacking of Steven Gerrard in the autumn, but once the 51-year-old can mould together a squad in his image and get them challenging for European football, they could perhaps then think about signing a player in Felix's bracket.