Aston Villa had a scout in attendance to watch the talent in Benfica’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening, according to journalist Tom Kundert.
The reporter, a specialist on Portuguese football, posted a photo on his personal Twitter account of all the scouts who were watching on as the German giants beat the home side 2-0 courtesy of goals from Robert Lewandowski and Renato Sanches.
Official list of clubs who sent scouts to Benfica-Bayern Munich. pic.twitter.com/qGA06xovvA
— Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) September 19, 2018
The Villans were joined by some huge names in club football with scouts in place, with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea among the numerous sides taking an interest.
Opinion
Is this Villa watching one specific player, or are they simply testing the waters and looking who is looking good out there? Either way, are the Villans that optimistic that they feel they could pounce on a Benfica or Bayern player? The only way that is going to happen is if it is a loan spell for someone that is not getting any sort of regular game time at the club, for the fees which will be demanded by the European pair will be above and beyond what the top brass at Villa will be willing to splash out. Still, it is good to see that they are being ambitious and having a look at some top talent ahead of the January window, and they could well need some more quality among their squad in the winter market if they are going to push on and secure a top six finish this season, as is the aim.