Aston Villa have been linked with a young defender - but they aren't alone.

Aston Villa could look to make a splash in the January transfer window - Unai Emery's men have been linked with a move for 21 year old Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali, according to a recent report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.

Currently, Espanyol are in the midst of a financial crisis - as such, it would not be surprising to see them sell some of their top stars in order to balance the books. Nevertheless, given their dealings in the recent past, it seems unlikely that they would let El Hilali go for anything less than his minimum fee release clause.

Furthermore, their precarious financial situation could bolster Villa's chances of signing him in January - they will need to bolster their coffers as soon as possible.

Should Villa wish to bring him on board, they would be required to shell out a fee of 15 million euros (PS12.5 million) to meet his release clause. Given El Hilali's potential, this could prove to be a bargain. His contract at Espanyol is not due to expire until the summer of 2027 - as such, there is little chance of any club being able to snap him up on a free transfer.

Despite this, Villa are not the only club who are said to be in the race for his signature. Premier League champions Manchester City are thought to be in the race, as are Brighton and Hove Albion.

His team, Espanyol, are 18th in the La Liga table, having picked up just ten points from 12 games. With 22 goals conceded, only Real Valladolid have shipped more than the Periquitos in 2024/25.