Aston Villa turn attention to 'ambitious' Endrick move

Aston Villa are among a number of Premier League clubs plotting a move to sign Real Madrid star Endrick before the window closes.

The 20-year-old is on the fringes of Jose Mourinho's squad in Madrid, leading to suggestions he could be made available in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Aston Villa are planning to improve their squad up front in the coming weeks, with doubts emerging about Ollie Watkins' future, and have set their sights on the Brazilian.

Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Endrick could arrive either on loan or a permanent deal as the club scrambles to bring in a new forward.

A lot will depend on whether Real Madrid are willing to let the striker move on this summer, or if he remains part of Mourinho's plans, with clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

However, should he be made available, Aston Villa will be among those ready to pounce as part of ambitious plans for the final stages of the transfer window.

Could Aston Villa make a move to sign Endrick?

Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Real Madrid are unlikely to entertain offers for Endrick this month as Mourinho views him as a key part of his first-team squad.

However, with Aston Villa on the hunt for a new striker before the window closes, they could make a tempting offer to lure him away from the Bernabeu.

Unai Emery is determined to strengthen up front given a lack of depth in the position, and with ongoing uncertainty about Endrick's future, he is one of the names on their list.

"Aston Villa know they have to sign a striker before the transfer window closes," Brown told Football Insider.

"It's something they've been keen to do all summer, but if they're going to lose Watkins, then of course they need to being in a replacement.

"Villa want to be ambitious, if they're having to replace Watkins they want to improve on him, not just bring in any striker for the sake of it.

"Endrick is somebody who has been mentioned, and he could be a good option for them. He's thought of very highly and would definitely be an ambitious target.

"He's never quite got his break at Real Madrid, but by all accounts he impressed when he went out on loan last season, so that could be a possibility again.

"Ideally, Aston Villa would want to make a permanent signing, but there is a chance they could do a loan deal if one becomes available.

"So a lot will depend on Real Madrid's side, but I have no doubt Villa are among Endrick's admirers and that could be a deal they look to pull off if he is made available."

What is the latest on Ollie Watkins' future?

Astno Villa's pursuit of a new striker comes alongside growing uncertainty about Watkins' future at the club, with Al Hilal stepping up efforts to land the England international.

He did not feature in Villa's 4-0 defeat against Brighton at the weekend, leading to suggestions he wants to leave the club, an an agreement is now edging closer.

Brown told Football Insider on 25 August that Aston Villa are prepared to sell Watkins for the right price, but are holding out for Al Hilal to improve on their current offer.

Watkins' future at Villa Park was set to depend not only the fee involved, but Villa's attempts to sign a new centre-forward in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Speculation about the England international's future has been rife all summer, and the final transfer fee is currently the only issue delaying his departure.