Aston Villa and Newcastle United are interested in acquiring the services of Villarreal winger Alex Baena.
According to a report from CaughtOffside, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both looking to add more firepower to their squad during the winter transfer window. The duo are looking for someone who can contribute towards both ends of the pitch and they feel Alex Baena could help their cause.
Baena has come up the ranks at Villarreal and has been a part of their first team since the summer of 2020. He has been a regular feature in their team post the 2021/22 loan spell at Girona.
The 23-year-old winger has made quite a name for himself thanks to his consistent performances for both club and country. He had an impressive season with the Yellow Submarine last season and even won the Olympics with Spain.
Baena has now started the new season in exceptional fashion with four assists in six outings. While he still has close to four years left on his deal, the young winger could soon be on the move to a bigger club.
Premier League clubs try to lure Baena
He finds himself on the wishlist of Aston Villa as well as Newcastle United. His ability to feature on either flank as well as to play in the centre of the park has attracted a significant amount of interest.
Both English clubs seek more depth in attacking positions and they feel the 23-year-old versatile forward could help their cause. Villa and the Magpies want to secure his services in the winter and paying his €55 million release clause is not that big a headache for them.
Eddie Howe’s team have the financial strength to get it over the line while Villa have the Unai Emery card. The player is inclined towards working with the Spanish manager because of his connection with Villarreal. Emery left the Yellow Submarine to join the Premier League outfit and Baena wants to train under him.
While Villa seem to have the upper hand in the transfer race, Howe’s team are also serious contenders for his signature. Baena’s performances have impressed their scouts and they could look to lure him to Tyneside.
