Aston Villa want £25m-rated Liverpool attacking target with ‘huge’ potential

According to reports, Aston Villa is in the running for Assane Diao, with teams like Liverpool.

The Reds and the Villans are both keeping an eye on the Real Betis gem, according to TEAMtalk.

Premier League opponents Manchester United and Brentford are rumoured to be after Diao in addition to Aston Villa and Liverpool.

In the Premier League this season, both the Villans and the Reds are on a high. Therefore, there is opportunity for both to consider January reinforcements.

After defeating both Manchester City and Arsenal in the span of a few days earlier this month, Unai Emery’s Villa are now third in the standings.

As this is going on, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are leading the Premier League and continuing their four-front battle.

Diao would be well served by a move to either Villa or Liverpool, since he has established a strong reputation in Andalusia.

This season, the 18-year-old has made 15 senior appearances for Betis, scoring four goals while breaking into the starting lineup.

Aston Villa and Liverpool eyeing ‘explosive, ambidextrous wide forward’ Assane Diao

Diao began the season in the reserves but quickly earned promotion to the senior ranks and has made the most of the opportunity.

He made his debut in the Europa League away at Rangers and featured against Granada and Valencia in the league as well as against Sparta Prague in Europe, scoring in each of these games.

The 18-year-old became the youngest player to score in his first two La Liga matches this century, and he’s certainly going from strength to strength.

Football Talent Scout have compared Diao to Wilfried Zaha and Donyell Malen.

Meanwhile, Football Transfers has described Diao – who began as a midfielder – as an ‘explosive, ambidextrous wide forward who boasts great movement and skills, while also being a decent physical presence for his young age at 185cm (6ft 1in).’

El Desmarque was also reportedly told by Betis Academy Director Miguel Calzado, “He is a player with huge growth potential, that’s clear to see from his first matches with Betis,” according to the report.

“It was evident to us during his time at the academy as well. He picks things up really fast.

Estadio Deportivo claims that Diao has a €30 million (about £25 million) release clause. This makes him a reasonably priced choice for both Villa and Liverpool.

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