Aston Villa are keen on signing Chelsea attacker Joao Felix, according to Fabrice Hawkins. The report does not specify a loan or permanent deal.
Villa and Chelsea are currently negotiating over a move for Axel Disasi and could add Felix to the conversation.
The Portuguese attacker has struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge behind Cole Palmer in the pecking order and could be on the move in the winter transfer window.
Felix arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer from Atletico Madrid in a move that saw Conor Gallagher go the other way but has featured mainly in the Europa Conference League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup.
In the Premier League, he has started only three matches, with Palmer as the mainstay number ten behind Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho impressing on the left flank.
Interestingly, Chelsea could use Villa’s interest to get the ball rolling over a move for Jhon Duran.
Over the summer, Chelsea were trying to get Villa interested in a Duran-Gallagher exchange and might consider a similar move with Felix.
Jackson has struggled up top, failing to score in the last seven league games. Despite starting well, he has begun missing chances at an alarming rate, and Christopher Nkunku on the bench is not a natural centre-forward, and neither is Felix.
Duran is a penalty box presence that can usurp the misfiring Jackson and help the Blues chase a top-four finish.
However, valuation could prove a problem. The Villains reportedly value Duran at about £84 million and are readying themselves for a bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr for his services. He is nowhere worth that sum.
Perhaps, using Felix, Chelsea can lower the price and sign a better natural fit for their centre-forward position. Villa will get an exciting attacker that adds goals and creativity to the ranks.
After Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia Felix could become Villa’s third winter signing. However, he has interest from AC Milan and a host of other clubs.
