Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is eyeing a fresh swoop for Josh King in this summer transfer window, and it looks as though they are finally set to sign him.

What's the story?

Reports ahead of the January transfer window suggested that King could still be on Dean Smith's side's radar, with the news over the summer suggesting that they had put in a bid of around £16m for the Norway international.

According to recent claims made by Norwegian publication VG, King is still of interest to Villa, although the likes of Norwich and Celtic have also been name-checked as clubs who are keen on signing him after Everton let him go.

But now, it seems as though Villa are about to get their man.

According to Turkish journalist and Fenerbahce reporter, Talha Arslan, "Joshua King, whose name is mentioned with Fenerbahçe, is very close to an agreement with Aston Villa".

Premier League proven

In the 5 foot 11 King, Villa would be getting someone who's Premier League proven - he's played 172 times in the competition, and struck 48 times and provided another 15 assists.

King would bring what his previous manager Eddie Howe described as his "unique pace" to the table, and would offer the Villa boss a different option up front.

Described as a "complete package" by Howe, the 54-cap King is exactly what Villa need to ease the burden on Ollie Watkins for next season in the Premier League.

King will know all about the Premier League, and fits exactly what Smith has recently said is his main priority in the transfer market:

"In terms of our recruitment, we talk about the sweet spots that we’re looking for, which is that the players have Premier League experience and are (ideally) British because there is no adaptation risk at all."

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news" title="Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!"]

And, given the fact he has been released by Everton and would be available on a free transfer, it's surely a move that Johan Lange can't pass up this summer.

The latest update on Villa closing in on a deal for King will surely have fans buzzing given they wanted him last summer, can get him for absolutely nothing, and has got a wealth of Premier League experience. He ticks all the boxes.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered an exciting update on Aston Villa...