Aston Villa could strengthen their squad during the January transfer window to give Unai Emery the opportunity to make his own mark on the side and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest?

According to Birmingham Live's Aston Villa reporter John Townley, the club has made contact with Juventus about signing midfielder Weston McKennie.

Townley tweeted: "AVFC are expected to complete a deal to sign Alex Moreno as Unai Emery targets several new additions this month.

"Waiting on Gerard Deulofeu update, while Villa have also made contact with Juventus for Weston McKennie."

It could be a big signing

The former Villarreal boss is just getting settled into his new role at Villa Park, however, there is a huge opportunity to improve the performances on the pitch by identifying new additions that can make an instant impact.

Aston Villa are currently 11th in the Premier League table which is an impressive climb considering they were teetering on the edge of the relegation zone ahead of Steven Gerrard's sacking in late October.

Emery - who has won the Europa League with Villarreal and three times for Sevilla - will be keen to get his team in contention for a qualification spot in European football as soon as possible but Villa are currently six points adrift from a spot in the Conference League ahead of the second half of the season.

As a result, the signing of McKennie could be just what the Villa boss needs in order to pick up the crucial points needed to be in contention to snatch a spot in Europe next season.

Over 13 Serie A appearances, the €30m-valued (£26m) talent - who was hailed for his "magic" abilities by podcaster Roger Bennett - has scored a glittering array of qualities.

Indeed, he has scored one goal, registered one assist, completed 71% of his dribbles, and created three big chances as a market of his attacking attributes.

Furthermore, he has won 2.3 duels per game on average, demonstrating his ability to make an impact defensively too.

McKennie has been impressive in the Champions League this season as well, scoring his first goal of the season against Paris Saint-Germain - which prompted high praise from fellow American, Clint Dempsey, after his performance at Le Parc des Princes.

The former Fulham and Spurs man said: "He does bring that energy and at the same time, he's always been someone, for club and country, dangerous on the set pieces or crosses. And the way he elevates and gets over people, and scores goals."

With that being said, the signing of McKennie would be a big addition for Villa as they seek to bring in elite players with knowledge of the top level. The USMNT dynamo has already shown he can perform both in Europe and on the highest stage of all - the World Cup - meaning that he could be a great piece of business as Emery's Villans aim to reach continental football of their own.