Aston Villa make approach to sign Jesus Rodriguez from Real Betis
Aston Villa have made an approach to sign Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez.
The Athletic reported in the Transfer DealSheet on June 3 that Villa are looking increase their wide forward options this summer.
Villa's main focus is to balance books before the June 30 profitability and sustainability deadline, but the club also want to sign a wide player and Rodriguez is among the options senior figures have contacted to outline parameters of a potential deal.
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Rodriguez, 19, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Betis, scoring three goals in 31 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini's side having graduated through the club's youth system.
He is a winger who plays predominantly on the left flank and was a second-half substitute in the side's Conference League final defeat to Chelsea.
Rodriguez has appeared three times this calendar year for Spain's under-21 side, while he has started 20 matches for Betis — who recorded a sixth-place finish in La Liga last season.
Analysis by Jacob Tanswell
Villa are targeting a couple of positions — namely right-back, centre-back and a versatile attacker — but strengthening in the wide areas is needed.
Leon Bailey is expected to leave in this window, with Saudi Arabian clubs expressing an interest. This would leave Villa without an archetypal wide player, with Lewis Dobbin expected to go on loan again next season and Samuel Iling-Junior unlikely to get the regular game-time he wants, should he return to Villa after loans at Bologna and Middlesbrough last season. Additionally, there are questions as to whether his long-term future instead lies at left-back.
Rodriguez typically operates from the left side at Real Betis but suits Unai Emery's preference for his attackers to be versatile and play in multiple positions across the frontline. Should Villa pursue a deal, the 19-year-old would offer pace and a threat in behind.
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