Aston Villa have stormed into the race to sign Geny Catamo from Sporting Club this summer, who have already received a number of approaches for the attacker.

Aston Villa firmly in the mix to sign Catamo

The Villans are instantly looking to take advantage of potential Champions League qualification after reaching the Europa League final by thrashing Nottingham Forest. Even as rumours persist that this season could be Morgan Rogers' last in a Villa shirt, those in the Midlands are attempting to flip the narrative towards incomings of their own.

It very much seems like the focus will be on attacking stars with or without Rogers, too. Villa have already reportedly set their sights on the likes of Matias Soule, who is heading for the exit door at AS Roma, and are also in the race for another exciting winger.

According to O Jogo in Portugal, Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Catamo from Sporting Club, who have received plenty of approaches about their winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

Whether the Villans have been among the clubs to launch contact is not yet known, but they're certainly interested and it's clear to see why.

Catamo has enjoyed another impressive campaign, with 13 goal involvements for his club as well as five at AFCON for Mozambique, and has a release clause worth €60m (£51m) in his current contract.

It wouldn't be a cheap deal by any means, but the release clause option would skip out any potentially tough negotiations with Sporting, saving Villa from a summer saga.

With Donyell Malen likely heading to Roma on a permanent deal this summer, it's also a deal that would make perfect sense. The Villans have been desperate for some output out wide since the Dutchman departed.

£51m Catamo could replace Rogers

As much as Aston Villa can try to ignore it, the fact is that the rumours are coming thick and fast over Rogers' future. The attacking star looks destined to leave for big money, forcing the Villans to find a replacement which could come in the form of Catamo this summer.

In over 1,000 fewer minutes, Catamo has recorded just six fewer goal involvements than Rogers this season, all whilst showcasing key versatility at fullback and on the wing.

On paper, he ticks far too many boxes for Aston Villa to ignore. With competition from Fiorentina, Fulham, Napoli and Atalanta, those at Villa Park will have to move quickly when the transfer window swings open this summer.

Catamo, especially if Rogers does head for the exit door, should be a target that Aston Villa push on to sign in the coming months.

Read next: Aston Villa plotting to sign Watkins upgrade who's "one of the best in the world"