Aston Villa have made an approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, according to Sky in Italy. The English club are serious about the Portugal winger, who has expressed an openness to the move. Villa and Milan are in contact and will now negotiate in a bid to reach an agreement before Deadline Day on September 1.

Leao can play as a centre forward or on the left wing and scored nine goals and added three assists in 29 Serie A appearances last season. Villa are looking to make additions up-front amid uncertainty around Ollie Watkins' future at the club. Sky Sports News reported Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are in talks to sign Watkins and have had at least one bid rejected.

Unai Emery has watched on as his Europa League-winning squad was ripped apart across this summer. Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa have gone. Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could follow suit. The club desperately need reinforcements before Deadline Day on September 1. Rafael Leao would not just be an ordinary body through the door.