Aston Villa have taken the first concrete step towards potentially recruiting Mendez by sending a formal enquiry to Real Sociedad. Mendez is seen as an ideal component for Emery's team. Villa are in the Champions League, making their interest more logical compared to Man Utd.

Aston Villa have asked about the availability of Brais Mendez as Unai Emery weighs up a summer move for the Real Sociedad star.