Aston Villa are on the hunt for a new striker this summer and one name has emerged as an audacious choice...

What's the word?

According to La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Dean Smith's side have made contact with Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain over a potential move to Villa Park.

It's claimed that the Serie A champions are planning a major squad overhaul under new manager Andrea Pirlo and the Argentine is one of the players on the chopping block.

So much so that they are trying to cancel the 32-year-old's contract, although Higuain's unwilling to do so, it could mean he is free to leave without a transfer fee to any interested party.

European pedigree

Whilst the veteran is available for free, the one major stumbling block would be his reported £270k-per-week wages, so it'll hinge on whether or not Nassef Sawiris wants to fork out that sort of money or not.

He could well be inclined to after the club's poor recruitment in the attacking department - neither Wesley or Mbwana Samatta have hit the ground running and in Higuain, you're getting an illustrious career at the very top.

He's won three La Liga and three Serie A titles as well as the Europa League whilst on loan to Chelsea, where he was a bit of a flop, scoring just five goals in 18 appearances.

Lionel Messi believes he's "one of the best number nines in the world" whilst teammate Leonardo Bonucci describes the 32-year-old as an "animal in the penalty box" as well as a "phenomenon".

Higuain delivered 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season all amidst the awe of Cristiano Ronaldo. Some may think he's looking for one final payday in the Premier League, but the Argentine would be a surreal addition to Smith's frontline.

If you've got to choose between him or someone like Divock Origi, then it really should be the former given the careers of both players.

AND in other news, Smith reportedly makes talismanic forward his transfer priority...