A recent rumour claims that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are now in the running for a “breakout” La Liga player.
Clubs’ focus has shifted to the rapidly approaching summer transfer window as the season is coming to an end.
Fourth-place Villa are seven points ahead of fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur, who have played one fewer game, and appear well-positioned to guarantee a Champions League berth.
They appear to have already made a bid for a custodian, which would greatly increase the transfer budget should they succeed.
Bids for Alvaro Valles are launched by Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
According to Diario De Almeria, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have each made proposals for UD Las Palmas custodian Alvaro Valles that total around £17.1 million.
Valles has been one of the La Liga team’s “breakout” performers and has had a successful season in goal.
In 33 outings, the 26-year-old has conceded just 40 goals, which is fewer than third-place Barcelona. He has also preserved eight clean sheets.
Valles, who was promoted from Spain’s second division the previous season, has adapted to life in the top flight with ease and is anticipated to attract a lot of interest in the summer from clubs other than those named.
He shares a similar profile with Emiliano Martinez of Villa and Allison of Liverpool, according to FBref data, which may be why the West Midlanders are eager to sign him as an understudy.
Martinez is undoubtedly the best player on the team and is performing well under Unai Emery, so it’s a little unexpected that the club is willing to spend a sizable sum of money for a backup.
However, Emery might feel he needs a number two who can play in all cup competitions given that Champions League action is imminent and that the schedule is predicted to be packed again next season.
According to Roberto De Zerbi, manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, that appears to be the current trend in the game.
