Aston Villa want to sign FC Porto forward Moussa Marega this summer, it has been claimed.
Dean Smith’s side are in the race to sign Marega, and will have to compete with West Ham United and Wolves, according to the Daily Star.
The Portuguese giants have slapped a price tag of £31 million on Marega, but the player is keen to move to England and try his luck in the Premier League.
Aston Villa do have the financial muscle to make him sign above the dotted line following their promotion from the Championship, but it will be interesting to see if they can beat competition from Wolves and West Ham, who have more financial resources.
How did Moussa Marega fare last season?
Marega was absolutely ruthless in the Portuguese top flight last season as he plundered 11 goals and registered 7 assists in 29 appearances, thereby helping his side in finish second in the league standings.
The Mali international also made his presence felt in Europe as he mustered 6 goals and 2 assists in 9 Champions League outings.
What will Marega add to Aston Villa?
Aston Villa do need reinforcements to cope with the animosity of the Premier League, and the Malian would add more goals to the Villa attack.
Marega is a versatile player as he can feature a striker as well as a winger, if needed. He is clever with his movement, can hold the ball well in the final third.
The 28-year-old’s imposing figure helps him in aerial duels, and he can be used in a more direct style of play should the game demand it. His scoring prowess is predominantly the reason he rose to prominence in the Liga NOS, though.
Tammy Abraham did a pretty good job in the Championship last season, but he needs to be replaced by someone able and one who has done it at the highest level of club football.
Although Marega lacks the experience of Premier League, he has proven himself at the Champions League level, and has the qualities it takes to thrive in the English top-flight, so he is worth a shot.