Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is interested in signing Chelsea starlet Valentino Livramento this summer.

What's the story?

Having already completed the signing of Emi Buendia, Villa appear to have swiftly turned their attentions elsewhere as they look to strengthen Smith's squad.

And, according to Goal, the Midlands club are eyeing up a move for 18-year-old right-back Livramento this summer, and that while Serie A giants Milan have got in touch, "Villa are among clubs that seem more viable options for the young full-back".

The report further claims that the versatile teenager's future at Stamford Bridge could be in doubt if the Blues land Achraf Hakimi from Borussia Dortmund.

Fans will love it

At just 18, Livramento would join the array of exciting young talents already at Villa, with the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Louie Barry in particular surely hoping to make a big impression on the first-team next season.

The Midlands club were, of course, the winners of the FA Youth Cup at the back end of last season, and that's a real testament to the outstanding work Villa have been doing at academy level.

And in the 5 foot 8 Livramento, they would be getting another superb young addition.

Dubbed as a "huge talent", the England youth international has even captained the Young Lions, playing through the U16s all the way to the U19s.

A profile piece done by Chelsea's official website, said: "Tino Livramento is a defender who plays predominantly at right-back or right wing-back, from where he likes to get forward and attack.

"2020/21 saw Livramento become regular for the development squad, and while still available for our youth team, by January he had contributed eight assists and two goals in 14 Academy outings from various positions on his favoured right side of the pitch."

And, despite his age, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was particularly effusive in his praise of the 18-year-old.

He said: "I love the academy boys. We have Anjorin and Livramento regularly joining training. The academy has outstanding quality. Every club who has young guys constantly coming in making it, it creates a bond in the club and supporters."

While signings for the here and now - like Buendia for example - are absolutely key to Villa's chances of succeeding next season in the Premier League, making sure the academy is in good hands too is paramount.

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It's exactly why Villa fans should be buzzing at the prospect of Johan Lange going after a rising star from the reigning Champions League holders.

Meanwhile, Villa are interested in signing this Premier League star...