Aston Villa sent scouts to watch Swiss striker Breel Embolo play for his country as they cruised past European minnows San Marino, according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail.
Scouts saw Embolo score a penalty in a 7-0 win over Europe’s worst team as Switzerland secured their place in the group stages of the European Championships, which will be held in France, next summer.
Embolo has netted 22 goals in 63 appearances for his club since first breaking into the first team in the 2013/14 season, and could be the answer to Aston Villa’s prayers.
Villa have been struggling for goals this season after the £32.5m departure of Belgian frontman Christian Benteke, and Tim Sherwood is looking to bring in a striker, despite former Blackburn striker Rudy Gustede becoming an instantaneous fans favourite – scoring four goals in his first appearances for his new club, in order to restore his forever-dwindling reputation at the club.
However, the Villains will face fierce competition if they want to sign the Basel sensation. Fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Everton, West Brom, West Ham, Leicester and Tottenham have all shown an interest in the 18-year-old, with the latter failing in a £15m bid for him in the summer transfer window. Europa League contenders Basel are thought to want £20m for the youngster’s services.
