Aston Villa join race for Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian

Newcastle United and Manchester United are reportedly also tracking the Spain international.

The 26-year-old defender is attracting attention thanks to a 40-million-euro release clause in his contract, a figure that could allow any suitor to secure his services without drawn-out negotiations. A potential deal could materialise as early as January, though a summer move appears equally likely.

Vivian has been a mainstay for Athletic Club since joining as a youngster in 2016. He has already clocked 152 senior appearances, including all three of Bilbao's matches this season, and has nine caps for Spain.

His career highlights include lifting the Copa del Rey with his boyhood club and winning Euro 2024 as part of Luis de la Fuente's squad.

Praised for having "proven himself in major competitions" and for a style of play considered well suited to the physical demands of English football, Vivian is seen as a prime candidate to bolster Premier League defences.

For Aston Villa, the chase comes with financial complications. The Midlands club were reluctant to spend heavily during the past summer transfer window and remain mindful of Premier League and UEFA regulations on spending.

They are already committed to paying 35 million GBP next year for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, meaning another sizeable investment would require careful planning.