Aston Villa have reportedly emerged as a potential destination for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

The Portugal international is currently starring at the World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists from his three outings in Qatar.

However, despite national team boss Fernando Santos placing faith in the 23-year-old, it has been a different story on the club scene playing under Diego Simeone.

Felix has been restricted to eight starts and nine substitute outings this campaign, with his three goals all being scored in the weeks before the break in November.

CEO Gil Marin has commented on the situation, acknowledging reports that the La Liga giants are open to cashing in on the club-record signing during the January transfer window.

Speaking to TVE, Marin said: "Joao Felix has top level but because of his relationship with Simeone and game time, we feel that makes sense to consider potential bids to sell him. I'd love for Joao to continue, but this is the current situation."

While the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, it appears that they will face competition from a surprise rival.

According to Marca, Villa have made their own move for Felix and are already holding negotiations regarding a shock January transfer.

The report claims that agent Jorge Mendes is hoping to find a Premier League club who are willing to meet Atletico's demands at the midway point of the campaign.

Villa are allegedly regarded as the new favourites to pull off the deal, something which would be regarded as a huge coup after the arrival of Unai Emery.

Since the Spaniard replaced Steven Gerrard, he has guided his new team to victories over Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion in the top flight.

While the West Midlands outfit remain down in 12th position in the standings, they now sit just four points adrift of sixth place.

As it stands, it remains unclear whether Atletico will insist on a permanent deal or be open to an initial loan agreement ahead of a potential sale in the summer.

With Atletico having no European football after Christmas, it has been claimed in recent days that Felipe and Matheus Cunha could also depart Wanda Metropolitano to link up with Wolverhampton Wanderers. body check tags ::