Aston Villa target midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo who turned down Bournemouth as Emi Buendia replacement

Aston Villa are eyeing a swoop for Galatasaray’s attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo.

Unai Emery’s side are undergoing talks with the Turkish giants over a potential £26million move after Emi Buendia suffered a serious knee injury in training.

Zaniolo is a target for Aston VillaGetty

Villa want Zaniolo after it was confirmed Buendia is sidelined with a long-term injuryGetty

Villa have confirmed the Argentinian star is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with knee ligament damage.

They are now targeting a replacement with haste and the 24-year-old Italian appears to be top of their list.

A switch to Villa Park would see Zaniolo would link-up with president of football operations, Monchi, who signed the player at Roma.

Zaniolo had been a target for Bournemouth in January, but the player himself snubbed a move to the Vitality Stadium.

The Italy midfielder had been keen to pursue his dreams of playing European football.

Zaniolo had also been a target for both Tottenham and AC Milan at the time.

After impressing at youth level for Genoa, Fiorentina and Entella, he earned a move to Inter in 2017, but failed to make play an appearances.

Zaniolo later joined Roma, playing 128 times, before then signing Galatasaray for €15m (£12.9m) in January.