Aston Villa 'working on' deal to sign Pervis Estupinan after transfer mission
Aston Villa are stepping up their pursuit of AC Milan star Pervis Estupinan after identifying their top target to replace Lucas Digne.
The 28-year-old features high on Unai Emery's list of targets, with the Aston Villa recruitment team working hard to identify a number of different options.
Since his move to AC Milan from Brighton last summer, the left-back has struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI, and is eyeing a return to the Premier League.
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Emery and his scouts have been keeping a close eye on Estupinan since his previous spell at Brighton.
During his time at the Amex, the Eduador international established himself as one of the most highly-regarded full-backs in the Premier League.
Aston Villa are one of a number of clubs believed to have been alerted to his availability, and after losing Digne to Paris Saint-Germain, they are stepping up their efforts.
Could Aston Villa make a move for Pervis Estupinan?
Football Insider shared reports in March that Estupinan could be available for a cut-price fee this summer, placing a number of Premier League clubs on alert.
Aston Villa have been searching the market for a new left-back long before Digne's sale, and while that move has accelerated their pursuit, their interest has been long-standing.
They could now be prepared to do a deal with AC Milan to bring Estupinan back to the Premier League, with work ongoing behind the scenes.
"Aston Villa wanting a new left-back is nothing new," Brown told Football Insider.
"It's not something that has come about now that Digne has joined PSG, it's something they've been working on for a long time, to strengthen in that position.
"Estupinan is somebody scouts have been watching since his time at Brighton and after his move to AC Milan, so he's somebody they are very much aware of.
"He's not their only option, but he is somebody they admire and think highly of, so if there's a chance to bring him back to the Premier League then they could be tempted.
"It seems like he might be available, so they will be well aware of his situation, and I expect it's something the player will be interested in as well."
Which other left-backs are on Aston Villa's radar?
Aston Villa's pursuit of a new left-back has been underway since last summer, as Emery has been eyeing long-term upgrades for Digne and Ian Maatsen.
Estupinan is the latest left-back to be linked with a move to Villa Park, but is far from the only option on their radar, with both domestic and European targets in mind.
Football Insider reported on 15 May that Aston Villa are interested in signing Neco Williams, who could put an end to their long-standing full-back concerns.
The Nottingham Forest star is capable of playing on both sides of the defence, but has mostly played left-back at the City Ground, and would be seen as a top signing.
They are not the only club interested in Williams, however, and will face competition from the likes of Man United, Tottenham and Newcaslte if there is a deal to be done.