Aston Villa are showing keen interest in signing Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza in the January transfer window.
According to a report from the Birmingham Mail, Unai Emery is looking to bring in a new right-back this month, and he has earmarked the 25-year-old as a potential option.
Villa are looking to sign a defender who can provide competition for Matty Cash. Mingueza is one of the defenders being targeted, and they can lure him away to Villa Park by meeting his £16.6 million release clause.
The Spanish international is due to enter the final year of his contract at Celta next summer, and it represents a golden opportunity for the La Liga club to cash in on him.
Celta president Marian Mourino recently admitted that while the La Liga club do not want to lose Mingueza, they will be powerless to prevent him from leaving if any potential suitor triggers the release clause.
Oscar Mingueza would be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa
The experienced defender joined Celta in July 2022 from Barcelona and has made over 65 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are also interested in Mingueza, which means Villa need to move quickly if they are serious about signing him.
Mingueza has started 17 of Celta’s 18 La Liga matches this season, registering five assists and scoring twice.
He will be a fantastic signing for Villa. First of all, he is entering the prime years of his career and is available at a decent price. He has been very consistent with his performances, which earned him a national team call-up.
The former Barcelona defender is capable of playing as a full-back, wing-back and centre-back, and Emery should be attracted by his versatility.
Villa are missing Pau Torres and Diego Carlos at the moment through injuries, and it is always a good sign to have players who can fit in multiple roles.
