The Villans have reportedly initiated contact with Belgian Pro League side Gent ahead of a potential bid for highly sort-after left-back Archie Brown.

Born in Birmingham, the 22-year-old came through the Derby County academy but decided to make an ambitious venture to the nearby continent a few years ago. First joining Swiss side Lausanne-Sport in July 2021, Brown impressed in the Challenge League as he totted up five goals and four assists in 34 appearances.

The defender’s impressive form earned a €4 million (£3.4 million) move to Gent, where he has already played 41 times across all competitions. Brown’s stock has risen over the past 12 months, with a host of Premier League clubs keeping tabs and soon set to offer a route back to England.

The Mirror reports Villa and Palace have joined a long queue of clubs eager to sign Brown this summer. It’s claimed contact has been initiated with Gent, with official enquiries made. There’s strong competition, though, as Chelsea, West Ham United and Everton have all previously been linked with Brown.

Gent are said to be seeking around €20 million (£17 million) to allow their star left-back to depart, a fee within reach of Villa despite their need to stay aligned with the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability rules.

Villa already well-stocked at left-back

It would come as a surprise if Unai Emery’s side spent big on the left side of defence, however, as Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno are already on the books at Villa Park. Digne maintained remarkable consistency throughout the season just gone, keeping Moreno – a player yet to realise his vast potential – on the bench for the post part.

Brown joining would certainly be a boost as he’d offer added competition but it would be more of a luxury transfer. Right-back is more of a priority for Emery, while the attack also needs to be bolstered with a versatile winger likely to be purchased.

GET MORE NEWS HERE