Aston Villa are currently looking to the future under new boss Unai Emery, with the experienced Spaniard likely hoping he can revive the club's fortunes following a difficult period under both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard.

The former Villarreal head coach will seemingly need to bring in fresh faces if he is truly implement change at the Midlands outfit, with the Spaniard having already snapped up the signing of compatriot, Alex Moreno.

The suggestion is that the 51-year-old could add to that recent addition with the signing of Udinese star, Gerard Deulofeu, with Birmingham Live reporting that the Villans have made an enquiry regarding a move for the 28-year-old.

The £22k-per-week dynamo is facing an uncertain future in Italy with just 18 months remaining on his existing deal, with talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook - speaking to GIVEMESPORT - suggesting that the Villa Park outfit could look to bring the former Watford man back to England, having seemingly been in contact regarding a possible swoop this month.

The transfer insider stated: "I know that they’ve been offered the chance to sign Deulofeu, whether there’s an appetite to do so, I’m not 100% Sure. But certainly, talks have been held about that.”

Talk of a potential Premier League return for Deulofeu comes amid the forward's scintillating form in Serie A of late, having provided ten goal involvements in 17 games in all competitions so far this season.

That continues what has been something of a "rebirth" for the playmaking ace at his current side, as per ESPN's Luis Miguel Echegaray, after scoring 13 goals and laying on five assists in 34 league games last term.

The "sensational" asset, as described by journalist Josh Bunting, could well prove an ideal replacement for the struggling Philippe Coutinho at Villa, with the Brazilian dud having been tipped for an exit in recent times.

Although the 30-year-old has since quashed suggestions that he is keen to leave, the former Barcelona man could certainly be a player that Emery decides to move on, having been unable to register a single goal or assist so far this term.

The 69-cap maestro - who was signed by former Liverpool teammate Gerrard on an initial loan deal a year ago - has arguably failed to live up to the "massive expectations", according to pundit Alan Hutton, having not been the talismanic figure that the club and supporters were likely hoping for.

Those woes are also illustrated by the fact that Coutinho ranks in just the top 37% for progressive passes among those in his position in Europe, as well as in just the top 47% for dribbles completed.

Deulofeu, by contrast, has been far more impressive of late as he ranks in the top 1% and the top 10% for those same two metrics respectively, proving that he could well be a smart replacement for the former Anfield hero.

With the one-time Everton man also providing the benefit of having worked under Emery previously at Sevilla, it could well represent a worthwhile move for all parties.