Barcelona transfer news: Aston Villa 'bidding' to win the race for highly-rated Blaugrana defender

Aston Villa are reportedly considering signing Barcelona defender Hector Fort before the end of the summer transfer window, but they face a host of competition for his signature.

The 19-year-old has featured on 30 occasions for Barcelona's first team, including three outings in the Champions League, but there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future.

Fort only has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2026, and he could leave this summer, with a number of clubs said to be keen in securing his signature before the end of the transfer window.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Villa are firmly in the hunt for his signature, with Unai Emery's side currently discussing a potential deal for the teenager.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also backed up those claims, revealing that Villa are being kept informed of any developments when it comes to the teenage defender's future.

Villa 'considering move' for Barcelona defender Fort

Fort joined Barcelona's youth academy in 2013, progressing through the various age groups at the club before making his first-team debut in 2023.

The full-back is also a six-time Spain Under-19s international, and he is highly-rated at Barcelona, but Jules Kounde is currently blocking him from securing regular starts.

Barcelona could include a buy-back option in any sale this summer, which would potentially lead to the Spaniard returning to Camp Nou in the future.

The Catalan giants will once again have a busy fixture list next season, but Eric Garcia has emerged as the main back-up to Kounde at right-back, so Fort's minutes are likely to be heavily restricted if he stays at Barcelona.

Barcelona could sign a defender before the transfer window closes

Barcelona had always been planning to sign a new goalkeeper and a wide forward this summer, and that has been achieved with the arrivals of Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

Exciting teenage talent Roony Bardghji has also made the move to Camp Nou, and club president Joan Laporta recently said that the club were unlikely to make any further signings this summer.

However, Inigo Martinez has recently made the move to Al-Nassr, and if Fort moves on as well, then it would not be a surprise to see Barcelona add another defender to their squad before the deadline.

Martinez's exit has left Barcelona light in the middle of their defence, although Andreas Christensen is likely to stay this summer despite a host of speculation surrounding his future.