Aston Villa could be set for another summer of colossal spending.

Only a year ago Dean Smith, Christian Purslow and Suso spent over £120m on preparing the squad for Premier League life.

That did eventually pay off, but only just as the Villains survived relegation by the skin of their teeth. 

As it happens, another £100m could be spent with Johan Lange now the club's Sporting Director. 

Villa have been linked with moves for players like Odsonne Edouard and Ollie Watkins, while Emi Buendia is also an option.

Those players could all be fairly pricey, so finding cheaper alternatives in a post-COVID market will be vitally important.

Fortunately, it looks as though Smith and co have stumbled upon one.

Dean Smith

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have identified a versatile attacker, one with plenty of experience, who could walk through the door to bolster the squad.

That happens to be former Premier League man Fabio Borini.

Crystal Palace had previously been interested in the 29-year-old, but now there are two further candidates to land the Italian - Watford and Villa. 

Borini's contract with Hellas Verona expires at the end of the month and thus, could arrive on a free transfer if Lange and Smith's interest materialises. 

However, they will also face competition from Serie A side Torino. That being said, Villa have already reportedly 'tested the waters' in an attempt to bring him to the Midlands. 

Renewing his contract with Verona is also an option for the forward.

Fabio Borini celebrates

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

On paper, this would be an incredibly poor signing. Villa are in need of goals with Wesley, Mbwana Samatta and Borja Baston contributing to just six this term, and Borini would not be the answer.

He scored three times in 2019/20, playing in a variety of positions from centre forward, to out on the wing and even as a central midfielder.

Boasting 111 Premier League appearances to his name, he could add that vital experience that this Villa squad potentially needs.

They are a young side and after losing players like James Chester and Alan Hutton in recent years, could do with adding some elder statesmen to their squad.

Borini against Juventus

Borini may never have set the world alight in England, finding the net only 16 times in the top-flight, but his versatility is some asset to have.

When playing for AC Milan, he also featured at wing-back so could offer competition to not only the strikers but also to Ahmed Elmohamady and Frederic Guilbert.

This signing may not be the most appealing, but for a player with such versatility, it would be an absolute bargain.