Sources: Aston Villa 'hopeful' of winning Ruben Vargas race amid £17m development
Aston Villa are well-placed to win the race to sign Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Sevilla are prepared to sell the 28-year-old in a bid to balance their books this summer, and value Vargas at just £17million, despite him enjoying a strong season last term.
Sources have indicated that while there is no clear favourite for his signature at the moment, Villa are "hopeful" that their ability to offer Champions League football will see them get a deal done.
Vargas has been linked with a Premier League move on several occasions in recent years, and this could finally be the window where it comes to fruition.
The wideman endured an impressive campaign in La Liga last term, notching three goals and six assists from just 24 appearances.
Aston Villa view Ruben Vargas as a smart option
Vargas has not shortage of potential suitors this summer, and his price tag makes him a hugely attractive proposition.
Newcastle are still in the market for attacking reinforcements after losing Anthony Gordon, and view him as a player who could add quality to their frontline.
Meanwhile, Villa continue to work against a backdrop of tight SCR restrictions, despite their return to the Champions League.
Unai Emery and Co. view Vargas as a player who could provide a smart option as a cost-effective deal, rather than them splashing the cash on a bigger name.
The second city outfit are prepared to use their latest European adventure as a bargaining tool for their transfer business this summer, and it will be no different with Vargas.
Sevilla are reluctant to lose the wideman after the impact he has made since joining from Augsburg, but with their own precarious financial position, a sale is likely to be necessary.
Ollie Watkins' exit stance revealed
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that striker Ollie Watkins has no intention of leaving the club this summer.
The England international has consistently been linked with a lucrative move to Turkey in recent months, but he would rather stay put at Villa Park.
Brown suggested that Watkins has already made his stance clear to Emery, and has no intention of pushing for a move away before the end of the window.
The 31-year-old endured a challenging season at times last term, but is ready to spearhead his team's return to the Champions League this time around.