Aston Villa to step up talks with Real Madrid winger Asensio

Aston Villa are hoping to add a favourite of manager Unai Emery to their squad this summer.

The Midlands club want to give their Spanish coach a team that can challenge for a Champions League spot.

Per the Express and Star, Villa will begin by convincing Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio to join on a free transfer.

The winger is out of contract with the Spanish giants, as he has no plans to renew with Real.

Asensio wants regular football, while the Premier League may appeal to him as well.

He was previously linked to Liverpool but there is no suggestion they will make a concrete bid this summer.