Aston Villa have joined Manchester United in the race for a highly-rated player plying his trade in Italy, according to a recent report.

The Villans ended the campaign in fourth, thus qualifying for the illustrious Champions League - aiding their transfer plans.

The lure of UCL football will be an appealing proposition for many players on the continent and Villa are already using that to their advantage.

It has just emerged, that they are eager to sign 'one of the best in the world'.

The outlet further claims that he will not pen a new deal at the Italian champions and with his contract due to run out next year, now is the last opportunity to cash in.

Unai Emery is understood to be a big fan of the dynamic wingback and has made him 'one of the hottest names' on his transfer list.

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Dumfries, who turned 28 last month, is considered 'one of the best in the world' by Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong.

Denzel Dumfires statistics It's easy to see why Dumfries is wanted by Villa and Manchester United when you take a closer look at his impressive statistics.

As per FBref, the Dutchman ranks in the top four per cent for expected assists per 90 compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues.

Further, he sits in the top six per cent for aerial duels won - evincing another side to his game.

Whoever lands his signature this summer will be getting one of the very best right-backs on the continent, as Frimpong alluded to.