Sources: Aston Villa plot Endrick move after Real Madrid decision
Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 20-year-old is firmly on Unai Emery's radar amid a growing possibility he could be allowed to leave Real Madrid on loan when the mid-season window opens.
Despite Jose Mourinho having planned to keep him at the club this season, the Brazil international has played just four minutes of football across all competitions, leading to concerns.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Aston Villa could look to lure Endrick away from Madrid as they aim to strengthen up front.
Despite completing the late signing of Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea, Emery is keen to add depth to his squad given a lack of quality options at the club.
Endrick has long been admired by clubs in the Premier League, and Aston Villa are now firmly in the race for his signature as Real Madrid weigh up his long-term future.
Could Aston Villa make a move to sign Endrick?
Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in August that the Villans were exploring the possibility of taking Endrick on loan for the upcoming season.
Despite ultimately missing out, their decision to cash in on Ollie Watkins has led to concerns about a lack of depth, and their interest could be reignited in January.
Much will depend on Real Madrid's decision, but Aston Villa are now among the front-runners for his signature, and could move to beat their rivals to a deal.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If Endrick does become available in the January transfer window, there'll be a number of clubs who would be interested in the Brazilian.
"He’s struggled for minutes under Jose Mourinho this season, just four minutes in the first team as a substitute in one of the games, and obviously he is well down the pecking order.
"It does seem that Aston Villa are very much interested in Endrick if he becomes available, and they could look to sign him in January.
"Real obviously allowed him to go out and loan last year where he really caught fire for Lyon and maybe they'll be open to doing that again.
"If he does become available in the January window there'll be a lot of clubs who'll be willing to take the Brazilian on loan so I think it'll be a pretty open race for his signature."
How do Real Madrid feel about losing Endrick?
Real Madrid have been weighing up Endrick's future at the club since the summer window, when Mourinho opted to block him leaving in favour of playing a first-team role.
However, after an injury derailed his start to the season, he has made little impact under the new manager and could now look to leave in search of increased playing time.
Football Insider revealed on 9 October that Real Madrid are now preparing to let Endrick leave on loan in January as they look to replicate last season's pathway.
The Brazil international completed a short-term move to Lyon last year, where he impressed on loan, and could now look to make the switch to a Premier League club.
Alongside Aston Villa, the likes of Tottenham and Man United have also shown an interest in Endrick, and could force a hotly-contested race to reach an agreement.