Aston Villa weigh up move for Spanish star

The 25-year-old Spaniard, a product of Barcelona’s academy, is one of several possible targets on the club’s list with Unai Emery having made strengthening the right-side of the backline a priority this month.

Talks are also continuing with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for Netherlands international winger Donyell Malen, with Villa increasingly confident an agreement can be reached.

Mingueza made 46 first-team appearances for Barcelona before moving to Celta Vigo in 2022 and his ability to play across the backline, including at left-back, is of particular appeal.

Villa were eager to add a versatile right-sided defender last summer but were unable to agree a deal for Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida due chiefly to profit and sustainability constraints.

The club is thought to have a little more wriggle room this time around but Emery has already warned they must remain “intelligent” in the market, with outgoings possible in order to balance the books.

Fenerbahce are interested in Diego Carlos but the Brazilian would only be sold if an effective replacement could be sourced, with Villa currently light at the back due to Pau Torres being ruled out for two months with a broken foot.