Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne may reportedly receive an offer from at least one Premier League club at the end of the season.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the legendary playmaker would be departing the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer in the summer.
While it was initially felt that the 33-year-old was ready to take on a new challenge, it later became apparent that the veteran did not receive a contract offer from the soon-to-be-dethroned Premier League champions.
De Bruyne has publicly acknowledged that he will now assess his options and has not ruled out linking up with another team in England's top flight.
According to Sky Sports News, one Premier League club is already giving serious thought to making an offer.
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Villa open to De Bruyne deal
The report alleges that Aston Villa have held 'internal talks' to weigh up the pros and cons of trying to sign the Belgium international.
De Bruyne is reportedly against uprooting his family from life in England if a suitable opportunity arises at a Premier League club.
Realistically-speaking, every high-profile team aside from Manchester United and former club Chelsea may become a potential destination.
Regardless of whether they earn a second successive year in the Champions League, Villa are progressing under Unai Emery and may be viewed as an attractive option by De Bruyne.
Italian side Como - managed by Cesc Fabregas - and a number of MLS clubs - including Inter Miami and Chicago Fire - are also said to be interested in negotiating a deal.
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Where would De Bruyne fit at Villa?
As one of the greatest players in Premier League history, De Bruyne will naturally expect to be a first-choice pick at whichever club he decides to join.
However, with Emery sometimes using a 4-4-1-1 formation, it is unclear where De Bruyne could be deployed unless taking Morgan Rogers's number-10 role.
De Bruyne would not be paired with fellow Belgian playmaker Youri Tielemans in the centre courtesy of the pair requiring someone like Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana to take on the more industrious duties in the engine room.
Moving Rogers to the flank in a more adventurous 4-2-3-1 is logically the only option, yet the England international has had joy on both the right and left this campaign.
Darren Plant
