Aston Villa may have just been handed a clear run at one of their mooted transfer targets after an interesting revelation this week...

What's the word?

Speaking to the Press Association (via BirminghamLive), Norwich City playmaker Emi Buendia revealed his intentions to return to the Premier League, he said:

"I see clubs are interested in me. I love to hear that because it means Premier League teams want to get me in their team.

"From the first day I’ve been happy with my relationship with them [Norwich]. They know my situation and they know my dream is to be in a Premier League team. Me and my family have loved this city since we arrived but I want to play in the best league in the world and would like to stay in a Premier League team."

The Telegraph's Matt Law linked the Midlands outfit with a move for the 23-year-old back in August.

Creative outlet

Having missed out on Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher to local rivals West Bromwich Albion, Johan Lange should absolutely reignite their reported interest in Buendia.

The Argentine maestro has been one of the Canaries' best players in the past two seasons and perhaps was a rare bright spark as they were relegated back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Per WhoScored, Buendia delivered nine goals and 19 assists across those two campaigns whilst last term, he averaged 2.8 dribbles, 2.3 key passes, 2.3 tackles and 1.9 shots per game.

Only three players created more chances in the Premier League than Buendia, one of which being Villa skipper Jack Grealish.

But that's where Dean Smith has a flaw. There is too much of a reliance on their talisman to deliver week in, week out and that's where the Canaries star could help immensely.

In the 5-1 win last season, Buendia recorded five key passes, three accurate crosses and three dribbles, giving Matt Targett one troublesome afternoon despite the defeat.

According to his teammate Max Aarons, Buendia is "tenacious and very strong" whilst former boss at Leon, Ruben de la Barrera, believes he's a "game-changing player" who can deliver moments of brilliance.

Thought to be available for around £20m this window, Lange and co must sanction this move - it could be their best steal this summer.

AND in other news, Aston Villa must clinch "fearless" £7m sensation adored by Dean Smith...