Al-Hilal have reportedly identified one of Aston Villa's star players as a potential alternative to Bruno Fernandes.
In recent days, it has been reiterated that the Manchester United playmaker remains wanted by the PIF-owned clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
However, Ruben Amorim has consistently made it clear that the Portugal international is not for sale, leaving teams from that part of the Middle East to assess their options.
Despite being rebuffed on occasions, teams such as Al-Hilal will never be short of alternatives due to their financial firepower, and it appears that they may soon turn their attention to Aston Villa.
According to Alex Crook of talkSPORT, Al-Hilal could be ready to turn their attention to Youri Tielemans.
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The report suggests that they are eager to secure reinforcements ahead of their appearance at the Club World Cup in June.
Al-Hilal are already in the process of appointing a new permanent manager after Jorge Jesus recently left his role, while the club are still in contention for the Saudi Pro League title albeit sitting six points adrift of leaders Al-Ittihad with three games left.
Nevertheless, their owners want to make further statements in the market with the addition of another reputable central midfielder.
That is despite the likes of Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic already being contracted to the club.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Tielemans would be prepared to leave the Premier League at this stage of his career, or whether Villa view a deal as plausible.
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Plenty to ponder?
Tielemans has started an incredible 52 matches for Villa in all competitions this season, including featuring in 47 of their 48 games in the Premier League and Champions League.
As such, his importance to Unai Emery is clear, yet Villa's complex situation with the relevant financial regulations may have to come into consideration.
With Tielemans having been purchased on a free transfer, there is an opportunity to make a mammoth profit if terms can be agreed with a Saudi Pro League team. Tielemans is said to be valued in the region of £50m.
Villa have already generated in the region of £110m in recent transfer windows by selling Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian clubs.
Darren Plant
