Aston Villa's interest in signing Joao Felix and Marco Asensio has been confirmed by president of football operations Monchi.
Despite a number of incomings and outgoings occurring during January, Villa face a busy end to the winter transfer window due to the pending sale of Jhon Duran.
Villa stand to generate a £64m fee for the Colombia international who is on the brink of signing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
At a time when any further interest in Ollie Watkins will likely be rejected, the West Midlands outfit must find a suitable replacement for Duran.
Chelsea playmaker Felix had already been a target before the developments with Duran, while Paris Saint-Germain attacker Asensio has been linked with a move to Villa Park in recent days.
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Monchi confirms Felix, Asensio interest
Their current employers will naturally be eager to recoup a lucrative fee for each player, aware that Villa have greater financial leeway with the relevant Premier League regulations.
Nevertheless, speaking in an interview with Cope, Monchi has admitted that both he and manager Unai Emery are interested in signing at least one of the aforementioned star duo.
Monchi said: "They are similar players, who Unai Emery likes. Asensio was tried by Aston Villa before I arrived. Last summer we were close to Joao.
"Neither of them are easy because in terms of salary and cost they are not simple.
"If there is a coach in world football who recovers players, it is Unai Emery. He has been able to recover talents.
"Joao Felix has talent, and it is only a matter of finding the right environment to bring out the best version of himself. And Unai works very, very well on that."
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Are Felix, Asensio realistic targets for Villa?
Although he has scored seven goals for Chelsea in all competitions, Felix accumulating just 364 minutes of Premier League football since his summer return has left his future in doubt.
While Enzo Maresca values having the Portugal international in his squad, Chelsea are likely to take an interest in any offer made that is in excess of the £46.3m deal that they agreed with Atletico Madrid less than six months ago.
Meanwhile, Asensio has made 10 starts and six substitute outings in Ligue 1 and the Champions League for PSG this campaign, contributing two goals and four assists.
However, with the Spain international's game time having been restricted since the November international break, PSG are open to a sale for the right price.
Darren Plant
