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Despite Aston Villa playing West Ham United at home in the FA Cup on Friday evening, Monchi wasn’t even in Birmingham whilst the match was taking place.

As Unai Emery’s side booked themselves a place in the next round of the competition, Monchi was in Spain to watch the game between Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo.

There was no doubt in the Spanish media that the Aston Villa transfer guru was there for matters relating to the January window, and although Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu was also presented as a likely target, it was Celta Vigo’s Óscar Mingueza who Monchi was thought to have mainly travelled for.

Sunday’s edition of AS reports Aston Villa ‘want to sign him now’, indicating there’s been a gear change in their efforts. Monchi’s visit has seen an ‘important step forward in negotiations’ to secure the player.

That’s not negotiations on the fee, because Celta Vigo have insisted it’s the €20m clause or nothing, but rather to convince Mingueza himself.

There’s also interest from AC Milan and AS Roma, although RB Leipzig have backed away from the 25-year-old.

Celta Vigo are said to be aware there’s talks ongoing between Aston Villa and their player. Barcelona are also aware, and they stand to receive 50% of the transfer fee.