VILLA STRIKER ON PALMEIRAS RADAR

Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes has emerged as a transfer target for recently crowned Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras. The interest of the South American champions in the Aston Villa striker was revealed by popular media portal GloboEsporte.

Brazilian player Wesley said that he would be open to a move back to South America and the reported interest from Palmeiras would certainly be music to his ears. Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira is said to be keen to add the Aston Villa attacker to his squad.

Wesley has had an awful time with injuries since his £22m move from Club Brugge in the Belgian top flight three years ago. He has struggled to break into the Villa starting XI since his return from injury. In the central striker position at Aston Villa, summer signing Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and Keinan Davies are all ahead of him at the moment.

Palmeiras have been the South American champions over the past two seasons. They saw off fellow Brazilian club Flamengo to win the Copa Libertadores last month thus making it back-to-back titles. On the interest of Palmeirasin his services, Wesley expressed his delight as he said that it would even give him more courage to continue working.

Wesley has not started a Premier League game since the trip to the Turf Moor to face Burnley on New Year’s Day two years ago. He suffered an horrific knee injury during the game which ended in a 2-1 win for the hosts. The injury would keep him out for 15 months as it threatened to kill off his Aston Villa career.

The Brazilian attacker returned to Club Brugge on a loan deal this summer for him to get back in shape once again but has not been possible in Belgium as chances to play have been few and far between.