Aston Villa are reportedly plotting an ambitious move to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, as the club's search for a new centre-back addition continues.

What's the word?

As per The Athletic's David Ornstein, Villa are interested in securing a deal for the 29-year-old this summer, with the Brazilian one of the options on the table for Steven Gerrard and co as they plot to bolster their defensive ranks.

Writing on Twitter about the club's interest, the respected journalist revealed that: "Aston Villa exploring possibility of signing Diego Carlos from Sevilla. #AVFC want a centre-back & rate Brazilian as one of Europe’s best. Potential fee + salary could be problematic & may need exits first but 29yo among the options."

The 6 foot 1 colossus had been heavily linked with a move to fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United back in January, although the Magpies ultimately failed to strike a deal with the Spanish side.

Statement of Intent

Although it would appear to be early days in this particular deal, these links represent yet another sign of ambition from the Midlands outfit, with the club having already pulled off two marquee signings this summer.

Gerrard and co were first able to secure Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal for a reported fee of just £17m - a mere fraction of the £142m that Barcelona paid for the Brazilian back in January 2018 - with the former Liverpool man having shone since his temporary arrival in January, scoring five and assisting three.

That notable coup was followed by the signing of Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara earlier this week, the Frenchman reportedly snubbing the advances of Atletico Madrid in order to make the free transfer move to Villa Park, joining on a five-year deal.

Should Carlos become the club's third major summer signing, it would further rubberstamp the ambition of NSWE and the remarkable pulling power of Gerrard, with the central defender potentially set to trade Champions League football for life in England.

Under Julien Lopetegui's tutelage, the £40.5m-rated gem has shone in La Liga in recent seasons, including during the 2021/22 campaign, keeping 13 clean sheets and averaging 3.5 clearances per game in the Spanish top-flight, while also winning a solid 62% of his total duels.

With speculation over the future of captain Tyrone Mings, Villa are seemingly keen on a new high profile figure to orchestrate the backline, with Carlos potentially the man to do the job - a notion that will no doubt delight the club's supporters.

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