Aston Villa have opened talks over their sixth signing of the summer transfer window as sporting director Johan Lange plots a move for a mystery striker...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, the Midlands outfit are working on a secret deal to sign an 'A-list' forward in the final few weeks of the window and negotiations are underway over an unnamed player from the Spanish top-flight.

It's thought that manager Steven Gerrard is keen to land a new striker who would be an upgrade on his current options of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins.

Villa have been linked to several players in the role throughout the summer, most notably Espanyol frontman Raul de Tomas, who scored LaLiga last season.

Exciting news

Whilst it remains to be seen exactly who this signing may be and whether it could be someone of de Tomas' calibre, it is certainly exciting news as it appears as if the club are prepared to back the manager with one final marquee signing.

They have already splashed out £26m on Diego Carlos, sealed the permanent arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen and landed Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer but there's still a void to be filled up top.

Villa have struggled for goals under the former Rangers boss as only Watkins surpassed the double-figure mark last season and at the weekend, they were thwarted by newly-promoted AFC Bournemouth.

The Cherries restricted Villa to only two shots on target as Gerrard opted to start Ings over Watkins.

It may have only been the opening day of the new campaign but it's a worrying sign that even fellow newcomers Fulham managed more shots on target in their match against Champions League finalists Liverpool.

There were also reports this week that Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens had pumped a further £30m into the club, so supporters around Villa Park should be rather excited heading into the final stages of the summer window.

AND in other news, Aston Villa gifted double boost ahead of Everton clash...