Aston Villa targeting Villarreal defender swoop

Villa are targeting Villarreal defender Juan Foyth after an injury to Tyrone Mings plunged them into a defensive crisis.

Mings left the pitch in tears 38 minutes into Sunday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham after taking a whack to his left knee.

The centre-back, only recently returned from a 14-month lay-off after sustaining a serious injury to his right knee, later returned to the bench smiling and Villa are hopeful the latest issue is not too serious.

But last week’s sale of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce and the ongoing absence of Pau Torres to a broken foot means Ezri Konsa is now Villa’s only fit senior centre-back.

Foyth, who played under Emery for Villarreal, is now a target after talks over Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade broke down. The 27-year-old previously played in the Premier League for Tottenham.

Asked about Foyth after Sunday’s match, Emery said: “With Monchi and the club we are looking at different players, the profile.

“Of course I know Juan Foyth because I worked with him. He is one player, with his quality, he can unite and play with the qualities and the performance we want to add in the squad.”

Carlos was sold last week to Fenerbahce and Emery defended the decision to let him depart, saying the Brazilian wanted to leave the club.

He said: “This transfer window is not easy, we did not want him to leave but he decided to leave because he accepted an offer from Turkey and we’re trying to get one centre-back to replace him. But there are still days to decide how we can do it.”