Aston Villa ‘enquire about transfer for Udinese winger Gerard Deulofeu’ with ex-Everton star ‘open to new challenge’
ASTON VILLA have enquired about the services of former Watford and Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu, according to reports.
New boss Unai Emery is thought to be in the market for a wide player and is expected to be backed by the owners in the January.
The Spaniard is playing his trade in Italy with Udinese after leaving the Hornets in 2021.
Deulofeu enjoyed a productive spell at Vicarage Road, scoring 17 goals and registering 11 assists in two-and-a-half years.
The most memorable was an exquisite chip in the FA Cup semi-finals against Wolves, which inspired Watford to make a memorable comeback.
But he left when they were relegated at the end of the 2019-2020 season, joining Udinese on loan and then permanently.
He’s now playing some of the best football of his career.
Last season, Deulofeu chipped in with 18 goal contributions in 34 Serie A matches.
And he’s been involved in another eight in 15 top-flight outings this term.
Regardless, BirminghamLive believe Villa have asked about his availability.
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And Deulofeu is “open” to a new challenge and a potential return to English football.
His overall Premier League record stands at a respectable 44 goals and assists in 127 appearances.
He’s played under Emery previously and won the Europa League alongside him when the attacker was on loan at Sevilla in 2014-2015.
The ex-Arsenal boss has made a bright start to his Villa career, taking six points from three games with his first defeat coming against Liverpool on Boxing Day.