Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is eyeing Franck Kessie and could make the Barcelona star his first 'big-name signing' at Villa Park, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Emery was appointed as the Midlands side's head coach last month and will be given an opportunity to bolster the squad he inherited during the January transfer window.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Kessie?

According to Spanish sources, Emery is looking to strengthen his midfield options and may up the ante in his pursuit of Kessie.

The report suggests Villa could lodge a £12.2million bid for the 56-cap Ivory Coast international and Barcelona are open to offloading various players who are currently surplus to requirements.

But the Premier League club are not the only side looking to lure Kessie away from the Nou Camp just a matter of months after he joined as a free agent following the expiry of his AC Milan contract.

That is because it is understood that Fulham are admirers and willing to pay more than Villa, with a £19.2million proposal in the offing.

Barcelona are in a strong negotiating position as Kessie's contract, which is worth slightly more than £150,000-per-week, is not due to expire until the summer of 2026.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Kessie?

O'Rourke believes sealing Kessie's mid-season arrival at Villa Park would show the club mean business.

The journalist feels Barcelona would be open to selling the central midfielder as it would result in them cashing-in on a star who has failed to make a lasting impression in La Liga.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "He would be a big-name signing. Obviously, he had a very successful time at AC Milan and then moved to Barcelona in the summer on a free transfer.

"That move hasn't worked out so, if he's not going to be playing in the Barcelona team, maybe they will be willing to get a quick profit by selling him because they signed him on a free transfer."

Would Kessie be a good signing for Villa?

Although Kessie has found opportunities hard to come by at Barcelona, having been restricted to two La Liga starts and 485 minutes of action in all competitions, there is no doubt that he would be an exciting acquisition for Villa.

The 25-year-old has made more than 300 senior appearances at club level and, as a Serie A champion, would bring a winning mentality to the Midlands.

Villa bolstered their midfield options by securing Boubacar Kamara's services during the summer, but Kessie would be an upgrade on the Frenchman.

Statistics show the Barcelona man averages more shots and blocks per 90 minutes this season, while he also boasts a better pass completion ratio, which emphasises that he would be an astute signing.

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