Aston Villa scouts jetted out on a transfer mission for Bologna defender Filip Helander on Monday, according to Tutto Mercato Web.
The Italian news outlet claims that the Midlands giants had representatives in Italy on Monday night to watch Bologna’s 3-2 away victory over Hellas Verona in the Serie A clash.
It is understood that the Villa scouts were present to cast their eye over Helander, who completed 90 minutes as his side climbed to 10th in the Italian top flight.
The 24-year-old centre-back is regarded as a powerful defender and he has three international caps for Sweden under his belt.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Villa are in need of an additional centre-back in their squad due to John Terry’s injury and they look a bit short of options.
A potential move for Helander would be a great one and a January switch would be ideal for the Championship side.
Helander endured a frustrating first season with Bologna last season due to several injuries, but has made a much brighter start to the new campaign.
He has become a mainstay in the starting XI and the fact that he is performing in Serie A shows his quality.
??This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?????
This deal seems like a long way from happening and Villa are yet to make official contact with Bologna for their defender.
Steve Bruce may be tempted to bolster his defensive options in the New Year to maintain a promotion push and the centre-back is only improving as he gets more experienced.
It is more than likely that Bologna would be able to demand a big fee for their centre-back and it remains to be seen how much Villa could cough up.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10