Ornstein: Aston Villa now want to sign "one of Europe's best", supporters will love it - opinion

Aston Villa are reportedly plotting an ambitious move to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, as the club’s search for a new centre-back addition continues.

As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Villa are interested in securing a deal for the 29-year-old this summer, with the Brazilian one of the options on the table for Steven Gerrard and co as they plot to bolster their defensive ranks.

Writing on Twitter about the club’s interest, the respected journalist revealed that: “Aston Villa exploring possibility of signing Diego Carlos from Sevilla. #AVFC want a centre-back & rate Brazilian as one of Europe’s best. Potential fee + salary could be problematic & may need exits first but 29yo among the options.”

The 6 foot 1 colossus had been heavily linked with a move to fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United back in January, although the Magpies ultimately failed to strike a deal with the Spanish side.

Although it would appear to be early days in this particular deal, these links represent yet another sign of ambition from the Midlands outfit, with the club having already pulled off two marquee signings this summer.

Gerrard and co were first able to secure Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal for a reported fee of just £17m – a mere fraction of the £142m that Barcelona paid for the Brazilian back in January 2018 – with the former Liverpool man having shone since his temporary arrival in January, scoring five and assisting three.

That notable coup was followed by the signing of Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara earlier this week, the Frenchman reportedly snubbing the advances of Atletico Madrid in order to make the free transfer move to Villa Park, joining on a five-year deal.

Should Carlos become the club’s third