Aston Villa enter Man Utd battle as 'contact made' over 27-year-old midfielder

Summer transfer interest is growing in Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez, with Villa the latest club said to join a race including Man Utd and an array of European giants.

Unai Emery is weighing up a summer move for his fellow Spaniard, who can play in the number 10 role or as a wide playmaker. Mendez, who scored eight goals and made nine assists in 44 matches last term, has tallied up over 200 La Liga career appearances, as well as four senior caps for Spain.

Express Sport reports Villa have asked Sociedad about the availability of Mendez, while the player’s entourage have also been contacted to gauge his levels of interest. It’s claimed that Man Utd, AS Roma and Juventus have already taken the same steps.

Sociedad are eager to retain Mendez’s services but it’s stated that a significant bid could be prove too tempting and difficult to reject. The 27-year-old is 24 months into a six-year contract that runs until June 2028, following on from his arrival at Reale Arena in July 2022.

Mendez, who began his career with a six-year spell at Celta Vigo, has contributed an impressive 19 goals and 17 assists in 91 appearances for Sociedad so far. The Mos native has more than paid back the €14 million (£11.8 million) he cost and his current market value, as per Transfermarkt, is around €40 million (£33.8 million).

Villa freeing up funds for Man Utd battle

The Villans are doing a decent job with their outgoing transfer business, gaining substantial funds from sales amid the ongoing struggles with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. Tim Iroegbunam has signed for Everton in a £9 million deal and Omari Kellyman is off to Chelsea for £19 million.

In an even bigger transfer, Douglas Luiz is closing in on a £22 million move to Juventus. To make up the rest of the Brazil international’s valuation, Samuel Iling Junior and Enzo Barrenechea are set to move in the other direction.