Latest developments
- Aston Villa want to sign Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain.
- Villa need attacking reinforcements amid Jhon Duran's departure.
- A loan deal before the deadline is an option.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): What Villa are looking for
PSG winger Marco Asensio is on Aston Villa's shortlist as they look to bring in another attacker before the January transfer window closes.
That is according to the Daily Mail, whose rumours don't always turn into something concrete, but having lost Jhon Duran this month, Villa are known to be looking for players of Asensio's ilk.
Value (4/5): Loan deal an option
Agreeing a loan move would be “straightforward” according to the same report, thus Villa would not instantly lose much of the £64 million they will earn from the Duran sale.
If they were to make it a permanent deal, it would still likely be affordable, given that the three-time UEFA Champions League winner has seen his market value drop to £16.7 million and has 18 months left at the Parc des Princes.
Suitability (4/5): Still got it
Predominately a right-winger, Asensio has played almost as often on the left and nearly 100 times as a central attacking-midfielder. That versatility seems to be what Unai Emery wants in his attacking players.
He has six goal involvements in Ligue 1 this season, despite just eight starts. That creativity will be vital for Villa, whose form has been patchy this season as they juggle the Premier League and Champions League.
Upgrade? (3/5): Villa aren't short of wingers
Never quite becoming one of the main men at Real Madrid, there is no doubting the quality of Asensio, who has just turned 29.
He will, though, have a job to displace the likes of Leon Bailey and Morgan Rogers, while Villa have already recruited right-sided specialist Donyell Malen this window.
Logic (3/5): Not Asen-ding the pecking order
The signing of Malen suggests if Villa do want him, they would be more likely to play him on the left or through the middle. Still a reliable option, especially for a loan deal.
Asensio has played just 18 minutes in all competitions since the end of November, suddenly losing his place in Luis Enrique's team. That could be enough to push him towards Villa Park.
Whisper+ verdict: 16.5/25
Murmurings of a loan deal could turn into something more real come deadline day.
