Aston Villa to rival Crystal Palace for Portuguese winger

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are prepared to battle for the signing of Benfica’s Fabio Baptista in January, according to reports.

The 19-year-old is currently playing with Benfica’s B side, although he’s caught attention across Europe.

Italian side Atalanta are the third club to be interested in his signature.

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According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the three clubs are hoping to sign him next year.

Both January and June are an option. It’s unclear at the moment whether Benfica would be willing to sell.

It might take a high price to prize one of their most valuable youngsters out of Portugal.

Benfica have already lost Ederson and Ruben Dias to the Premier League.

Their forward Darwin Nunez has also emerged as a transfer target for Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

The report doesn’t state how much it would cost to sign Baptista. He’s valued by Transfermarkt at less than £200k, but would likely fetch a price of at least £5 million given his potential.

The player currently represents Portugal’s U19 side. He’s versatile, too. He can play at right back and as a winger on either side.

Baptista has made five appearances for Benfica B so far this campaign, registering one assist.

He could be called up to their senior team in the near future if his performances are noticed by officials.

Baptista would prove to be a clever bit of business for either Villa or Palace.

He shouldn’t cost too much and would bring with him huge potential.

Benfica are known to have one of the best academies in European football.

The two sides would also have the ability to sell him on for a higher price to Wolves.

It’s widely known how much they love to sign a talented young Portuguese player.

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