Pundit in ‘no doubt’ about Aston Villa signing Joao Felix after ‘huge’ update from Spain
Noel Whelan has urged Aston Villa to make a “big show of intent” by signing Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix in the January window.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Villa are in the same “bracket” as big-spending Newcastle – who sit third in the Premier League.
Speaking on Spanish radio show El Larguero, journalist Miguel Martin Talavera claimed (21 December) Aston Villa are the club making a “huge effort” to seal the signing of Felix in January.
The Athletic updated on 12 December, claiming super agent Jorge Mendes is pushing Aston Villa as an option for the Atletico Madrid star after brokering the deal to bring Unai Emery to the club last month.
Felix, who contributed a goal and two assists in four World Cup outings for Portugal, has only started 36% of La Liga games this season.
Aston Villa sit 12th in the Premier League after winning their first two games under Emery.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Look at Newcastle, they’ve got the money to go out and get these big names to improve their side significantly.
“Obviously Villa are a bit further down the table, but I think they’re in that same bracket.
“They’ve got talented individuals, but they just haven’t been playing to their full potential under the previous manager. Unai Emery could change that.
“There’s no doubt about it, they’ll be in the market in January and in the summer.
“For me, Joao Felix would be a massive improvement for them. If they can entice him to the club, it would be a big show of intent.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Man United have “concrete interest” in signing Aston Villa star.