Aston Villa favourites to sign Barcelona 'legend'

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are moving ahead of rival clubs in a bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto.

Having risen through the Barca academy as a junior, Roberto has gone on to make 373 appearances since 2010 across all competitions. Now, at the age of 32 Roberto has left Barcelona following the expiration of his contract and is now a free agent.

According to 'Sport', Unai Emery is a huge admirer of the Spanish international right-back, who has also played a huge number of games in central midfield. Meanwhile 'Sport45' have claimed that an offer is already on the table from Villa. Roberto who was last year described as 'extraordinary' by former boss and Barcelona legend Xavi, could soon join the long list of Villa arrivals this summer. The Champions League Villans have already confirmed eight deals and have been one of the busiest clubs in the market so far with the high number of incomings as well as some high-profile departures.

Despite being older than players Unai Emery would normally go for, as he is known for developing young talents, Roberto could be a very positive signing for the club who will need a player in the dressing room with such great history at the top level. Roberto boasts over 60 appearances in the UEFA Champions League and has won many titles in his Barcelona days and played alongside a number of the world's best players like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. His experience could prove vital for a Villa squad heading into their first year in the Champions League for over forty years.

As Roberto would also be likely used as a right-back predominantly and signing on a free transfer it would allow Villa to consider offers for the likes of Matty Cash who has drawn interest from clubs such as Inter and AC Milan this summer.

There were rumours earlier this year that Roberto might join Lionel Messi and his fellow former Barcelona teammates at Inter Miami, but that deal didn't proceed. There was also talk of a move to Saudi Arabia in January before Roberto decided to see out the remainder of his contract at the Nou Camp and there may be suitors from Saudi looking to try their luck once more.

UTV