Aston Villa hold key advantage over Man Utd in battle for budget Bellingham

Tom Weber

• Updated: 24 Jun 2024 18:59 BST
• 4 min read

Aston Villa and Man Utd are interested in Brais Mendez, according to a report.

The Spanish midfielder has enjoyed a few very good seasons with Real Sociedad, impressing with his versatility and overall play. Often deployed as an attacking midfielder, though he can also operate out wide and in a deeper role, Mendez contributed with eight goals and nine assists in 2023/24.

Some of Mendez's showings in the bygone campaign were reminiscent of Jude Bellingham, with the 27-year-old always getting involved in Real Sociedad's attacks and being capable of setting up teammates as well as finishing himself.

READ MORE: Man Utd ready to splash the cash to beat Real Madrid to priority transfer

The good news for any suitors: Mendez won't cost anywhere near what Real Madrid had to shell out for the English superstar. Mendez is thought to have a €60 million release clause, but it is unlikely that Erreala will demand that much and it has also been reported that they won't stand in his way should a suitable offer arrive.

According to The Express, Aston Villa and Man Utd are interested in the 27-year-old, but the former may hold several key advantages over the Red Devils.

Villa very keen

The above-mentioned report states that Villa have taken the first concrete step towards potentially recruiting Mendez by sending a formal enquiry to Real Sociedad.

Sporting director Monchi and coach Unai Emery have already been very busy in the transfer market and their activity shows no signs of slowing down ahead of the club's first season in the Champions League since the competition's rebrand in the early 1990s.

READ MORE: Aston Villa close in on Arsenal target with world-leading potential

Mendez is seen as an ideal component for Emery's team and Villa's interest certainly makes a lot more sense than Man Utd's. The latter are in the market for a midfielder, but the 27-year-old is not the profile of player they are targeting.

The Red Devils want a replacement for Casemiro, not another star who plays a similar role as Bruno Fernandes. Additionally, Villa are in the Champions League, while Man Utd can only offer Europa League football.

With Douglas Luiz set to sign for Juventus, the Birmingham club would be well advised to make a move for a midfielder who is effective going forward but who is also not afraid to do the dirty work if he must. Mendez is that kind of player.