Aston Villa have reportedly expressed a strong interest in signing Marseille defender Michael Amir Murillo.
The West Midlands outfit are currently still reeling from missing out on Champions League qualification courtesy of their controversial 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.
As a result, Unai Emery's transfer budget will be significantly reduced as he bids to keep Villa in the upper echelons of the Premier League table.
With a £40m option not being taken up to sign loanee Marcus Rashford from Manchester United, it is arguably an indication of the extent of Villa's issues when it comes to funds for new players.
Nevertheless, as per El Siglo, Villa are pushing hard to sign a defender valued in the region of €25m (£21m).
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Surprise interest in Marseille man
The report alleges that Villa have already made more than one attempt to successfully negotiate a deal for the 29-year-old.
Murillo is capable of playing across the backline, with 27 starts and three substitute outings having been made in Ligue 1 during 2024-25 as Marseille finished in second position in the table.
There was an equal share of games played at right-back and centre-back, highlighting his versatility in a team that have qualified for the Champions League.
In two seasons at the Stade Velodrome, the Panama international has made 57 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and five assists.
As it stands, Marseille are said to have rejected two bids that have been made by Villa, with it suggested that the French outfit are eager to recoup £21m for his signature.
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Replacement for Cash?
While Matty Cash has long been regarded as an important player at Villa Park, he came in for criticism for the part that he played in Emiliano Martinez's sending off against Man United.
Furthermore, his attacking return has decreased in 2024-25, contributing just one goal and one assist from 35 games in the Premier League and Champions League.
Given that the Poland international is selected for his attacking ability rather than his defensive attributes, the 27-year-old's position is realistically under threat.
With Ezri Konsa preferred in the centre rather than at right-back and Andres Garcia yet to fully adapt to the Premier League, strengthening at right-back feels imperative.
Darren Plant
