ASTON VILLA are in advanced talks to make Ross Barkley their first summer signing.
The 30-year-old Luton Town midfielder is set for a surprise return to Villa Park, four years after he scored three goals in 24 appearances for Dean Smith's team during an injury-blighted loan deal from Chelsea.
However, Unai Emery has been impressed by the 33-times-capped England international's outstanding form this season on his return to the Premier League.
SunSport understands Villa's President of Football Operations Monchi has a 'strong interest,' in signing Barkley, who has also interested Manchester United, for a nominal fee of around £2million.
Although Barkley could not prevent the Hatters from dropping back into the Championship, he has excelled since joining them on a free from Ligue 1 side Nice last summer.
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The former Everton and Chelsea star scored five goals and assisted with four more in 32 appearances for Rob Edwards' side - sparking speculation he might be close to an England recall.
Villa need to trade wisely this summer as they struggle to comply with tough Profit and Sustainability Rules.
And the addition of Barkley would be one of the shrewdest bargain-priced moves they could pull-off as they look to strengthen the depth of their squad for next season's Champions' League campaign.
Emery admitted the club will need to "be intelligent," in their transfer dealings this summer, after they ran up a loss of £119million in their last accounts - a Uefa record for the season.
And with further losses forecast for last season the need to balance the books has never been more important.
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Landing Barkley would be seen as a coup for Emery who was impressed by the midfielder's stunning form last term.
Last month, Barkley opened the door for a move if Luton failed to avoid relegation as he expressed his desire to remain in the top flight.
He said: "I want to play in the Premier League. I want to play in Europe again.
"I feel like the next three years maybe I'll still be in my prime."
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Emery clearly agrees with Barkley's assessment and is willing to open the door to the Champions' League for the Scouser.
