Aston Villa linked with swoop for FC Porto ace

Aston Villa are interested in FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela along with Premier League rivals Manchester United and West Ham, according to a report by Spanish news outlet Fichajes.

Unai Emery could see the former Argentina youth international as a potential addition for the summer.

Varela, 22, may have been identified as a long-term option for the club in the middle of the park ahead of the next transfer window.

He started his career at local side Barcelona Luján before Boca Juniors landed him in 2012. He then rose up through the academy ranks of the Argentinian giants and was a regular for them at various youth levels.

The Isidro Casanova-born man then broke into their first-team as a youngster and went on to play 111 games for them in all competitions, chipping in with two goals, as he emerged on the radar of teams over in Europe.

Porto won the race for his signature and he linked up with them only last year. He has since played 26 games for them altogether and has found the net twice.

Varela's current club could now face a battle to keep hold of him amid fresh reports of interest from England, despite the fact he is still in his first year there.

He would be a shrewd addition for Aston Villa and would bolster their ranks ahead of the next campaign. However, West Ham and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible suitors which means there is likely to be competition.