Striker who Cristiano Ronaldo once called ‘excellent’ is keen to join Aston Villa this summer

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Having qualified for the Champions League last season, Aston Villa are now competing with one of the competition’s regulars to sign one exciting target this summer.

Unai Emery has already made significant progress in the transfer market in recent weeks, securing eye-catching deals for Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen to join Villa among six others.

Jaden Philogene’s return to the club could also prove important, a talent who is clearly capable of contributing at the highest level.

That being said, it appears that Villa are not finished with their summer ambition just yet.

TBR Football understands that Villa are now battling with Benfica to sign Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix.

Felix spent last season on-loan at Barcelona and a temporary return to Catalunya is possible this summer, but Hansi Flick’s side are predominantly focused on Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

Villa, having allowed Moussa Diaby to move to the Saudi Pro League, have money to use and they want to spend a big chunk of that on Felix.

Joao Felix willing to join Aston Villa after Unai Emery and Monchi talks

TBR can confirm that Villa have held talks over a permanent deal with Atletico Madrid – who are eager to sell on a permanent deal.

However, the fact that Felix still has five-years left on his Atleti contract is an issue and the striker would have to take a wage drop.

To that end, another option has emerged for Felix in the shape of his former club Benfica, who are offering the striker a return to Portugal.

READ MORE: Unai Emery completely changed how Moussa Diaby was viewed at Aston Villa 

Benfica are ready to cash in on their midfield starlet Joao Neves by selling him to Paris Saint-Germain and despite the fact they are set to get Renato Sanches back as part of that deal – they also want Felix back.

That being said, TBR understands that Felix is keen to link up with Villa and he has held talks with Unai Emery and Monchi.

However, the club will also be aware that Benfica could be a massive attraction to the player.

Of course, at 24-years-old there’s no doubt that signing a player of Felix’s level would be a huge coup for Villa, someone international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo once called ‘excellent’.