Aston Villa could enter 'advanced conversations' with Joao Felix's agent 'in a few days' as they look to tempt the Atletico Madrid star to Villa Park, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.
Following his appointment as the Villans' head coach in October, Unai Emery will be handed the opportunity to bolster his squad when the winter window opens for business next month.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Aston Villa transfer news - Joao Felix
According to The Athletic, super-agent Jorge Mendes is pushing for client Felix to make a January move to Villa.
The report suggests the Portugal international's representative has built a strong relationship with the Midlands outfit's hierarchy, having played a pivotal role in Emery being handed the managerial job.
However, it appears that Felix may not be on the same page as Mendes as it has emerged that he does not see relocating to Birmingham as an attractive prospect.
Doubts over the attacker's Atletico future have grown after boss Diego Simeone admitted 'no-one is indispensable', while chief executive Miguel Angel Gil has claimed that Felix wants to move onto pastures new.
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Villa are holding conversations over whether to head to the negotiating table after Felix has been pushed in their direction.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Felix?
Romano understands that Atletico are seeking upwards of £88million and there are doubts over whether suitors will be able to meet that figure while also offering Felix a lucrative contract next month.
The respected journalist feels it will become clear in the coming days whether Villa are in the race to come to an agreement.
Romano told GiveMeSport: "Let's see for Joao Felix because it is important to see if someone will pay more than €100million and also put forward an important salary to the player in a complicated market like January.
"I think in a few days it will be clear which kind of clubs will be in advanced conversations with Jorge Mendes."
Who else is fighting Villa for Felix's signature?
According to Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Mendes has been in discussions with a host of clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Felix during the early stages of 2023.
The report suggests the super-agent has held talks with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich while his client seeks a route out of Atletico.
Chelsea have also been offered the chance to sign Felix after Armando Broja suffered a season-ending knee injury during the break from domestic action.
With that being the case, it is clear that Villa have a huge battle on their hands as they look to convince the 23-year-old to head to the Midlands.
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