Aston Villa are leading the race to sign another international goalkeeper, according to recent reports. The Villans' run of three in a row ended on Saturday night, when they were beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest. Unai Emery he believes this is just a setback as his team prepares to face Manchester City at the weekend.

Transfer news at Aston Villa

Villa's inconsistency this season has alerted Emery to the areas in his squad that need to be addressed. Indeed, the Premier League side have already been linked with a host of new faces ahead of next month.

Villa joined defender Antonio Silvaso that they can understand about the money that can be transferred. The Benfica full-back has been largely overlooked by the Midlands outfit but he is not alone, as other Premier League teams, as well as some of Europe's biggest clubs, are also interested in signing the talented defender. The Benfica president is said to be meeting with Silva's supporters before the January deadline.

Also looking at Silva, Villa are also keen to sign Real Madrid defender Raul Asenciobut they will also face competition from their Premier League rivals. The youngster has impressed with his limited appearances for the Spanish giants, and Emery sees him as someone who can improve his side's defence, given where he has been playing his football.

Aston Villa lead the transfer race to sign the youngster after impressing scouts

According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. The 19-year-old came through Manchester City's academy, but left the Premier League to join the Owls in 2020.

Charles went through the 18 and 21 years for the club, and is now part of the first team picture. The goalkeeper is yet to feature in the Championship, but has been on the bench in all but two league games this season.

Despite not being a keeper on Wednesday, Charles has been capped four times by his country, Northern Ireland. It is on the international stage that Charles has left scouts impressed, with them coming from the latest Nations League match giving the player "good reports".

The youngster's ability to play at the back has meant that top Premier League clubs have identified him as a top target, including Villa. The Villans are ready to transfer choice keeper Robin Olsen to bring in emerging talent if the opportunity presents itself. Villa could offer Charles the number two spot in their squad, and could see it as his chance to move to the Premier League.