Aston Villa have set sights on Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo | OneFootball

Aston Villa have set their sights on Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants attacking reinforcements at the Midlands club, and Fernandez-Pardo has emerged as a target who could be brought to Villa Park this summer. The 21-year-old Belgium international striker is currently at the World Cup and the Villans are one of those keeping tabs on him. The €70 million-rated forward ended last season with eight goals and five assists in 29 league appearances for Lille, and Villa could face competition from the likes of Manchester United, who are also monitoring him.

Fernandez-Pardo plays as a number 9, on both wings and as a number 10 in midfielder, and his versatility has attracted Villa. The Midlands club have scouts in North America to run the rule over the Belgian and other potential transfer targets at the World Cup. Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in their opening game of the tournament on Monday, but the Aston Villa target only came on for the final five minutes and was unable to influence the proceedings.

The Red Devils take on Iran on Sunday (June 21) before facing New Zealand next Saturday (June 27), and Fernandez-Pardo will hope to play more minutes.

He will be looking to impress and the Villans and other suitors will be watching him.

A move to the Premier League could appeal to Fernandez-Pardo, and the Villa offering Champions League football next season puts them in a favourable position in the race.