Deportivo La Coruna could be set to make a formal offer to sign Aston Villa midfielder Carles Gil in the coming weeks, according to the Birmingham Mail.
The newspaper claim that the La Liga side are imminently “expected to step up their interest” in the player, following a successful spell on loan at the club during the 2016-17 season.
Gil contributed one goal and four assists from his 24 appearances in all competitions for Deportivo last season, but he is likely to be cast aside by Aston Villa for a second time this summer.
It is said that current Deportivo boss Pepe Mel is keen to bring the 24-year-old outcast back to the club ahead of next season, and that he views the player as an important part of his plans.
The Championship outfit will now be bracing themselves for a formal offer for his services from the Spanish club.
The player himself has already expressed a desire to remain at Estadio Riazor, but with no formal offer currently on the table, he remains an Aston Villa player heading into pre-season.
He wants a deal wrapped up before Aston Villa’s pre-season return date at the start of July, and hopes negotiations between the two clubs will reach a swift conclusion.
Spanish news outlet La Voz de Galicia claim that multiple clubs are tracking the out-of-favour Aston Villa man this summer, meaning Deportivo could face competition for his signature.
Gil is still under contract at Villa Park for another two years, but it does not look likely that he will be considered a key player for manager Steve Bruce next season.
Bruce has added several players capable of playing in Gil’s midfield position since his departure a year ago, and he could now find himself down the pecking order for a first-team role.