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Aston Villa ‘can pay’ Villarreal star Alex Baena’s €60m release clause this summer and are already working on a potential transfer.

That’s according to Cadena SER, who back up reports elsewhere in Spain today that Aston Villa are keen on the forward.

A report earlier today indicated that Aston Villa can easily pay for the player, who has 21 goals and assists combined this season and is a firm favourite of Unai Emery’s.

Cadena SER now follow that up and say Aston Villa have joined Atletico Madrid in showing an interest in Baena, who has the attention of more clubs than those two.

The player is one of the most sought-after in Spain thanks to his performances this season and a summer full of interest seemingly lies ahead.

Aston Villa already tried to sign him before he signed a contract extension in January but that’s not stopped their interest and they are already working ‘in the offices’ to make themselves an option that he would have to evaluate this summer.

Unai Emery would certainly love a deal to be done, in fact ‘he would be delighted’ to have Baena in his squad and his status as one of the best coaches in Europe could prove useful too.

Aston Villa are yet to make a formal move, but work is underway behind the scenes, perhaps with the club waiting for Champions League football to be secured before really making steps forwards.