Aston Villa transfer news: Unai Emery keen to bring Spanish defender back to Premier League?

Unai Emery's side are currently attempting to handle participating in England's top flight and the Champions League, progress in both being viewed as high priority.

Up until October 26, the West Midlands outfit appeared to be on track in both competitions, but they have since endured a five-match period without success.

As a result, Villa have dropped down to ninth place in the Premier League table and eighth spot in the Champions League standings.

Emery and the club's recruitment team will now contemplate how they can improve the squad in January, there being scope to strengthen their options in defence and midfield.

Former Leeds United defender on Villa radar?

According to Football Insider, Villa are open to trying to sign Real Betis centre-back Diego Llorente.

The 31-year-old is no stranger to Premier League football having played 51 times for Leeds United between 2020 and 2022.

However, the former Real Sociedad man eventually fell out of favour at Elland Road and subsequently spent time on loan at Roma.

Llorente has since moved to Betis on a four-year contract, making an immediate impression with Manuel Pellegrini's side conceding just 12 times in 13 games.

Aside from goalkeeper Rui Silva, Llorente is the only Betis player to start every La Liga fixture for Betis during 2024-25.

How would Betis handle transfer interest?

Given Llorente's aforementioned regular appearances emphasising his importance to the team, it feels highly unlikely that Betis would consider any offers.

Furthermore, Llorente may be against a return to English football having found a way to kick-start his career back in his homeland.

Villa already have a Spanish defender in Pau Torres at their disposal, while Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos and Tyrone Mings are other central-defensive options.

Whether Villa push for a new centre-back could depend on the form and fitness of Mings. The club captain has only recently returned to competitive action after 14 months out with a serious knee injury.