Aston Villa's attempt to sign Birmingham City's Jota is still on the cards despite a delay, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.

The Birmingham Mail were previously reporting that the deal was sealed over the weekend, but there has still been no official confirmation from either club.

However, Nixon has now claimed that Jota needed to return to Spain before completing the move and it is set to go ahead when he returns as Villa close in on their first summer signing.

The winger has already held initial talks with the Midlands side, who secured promotion to the Premier League last week with their Championship play-off final victory over Derby County.

Jota has impressed for the Blues in the Championship this season as he helped Garry Monk's side in securing survival following their nine-point deduction.

The Spaniard made a total of 41 appearances and was involved in 14 goals last season, in what was his second season at St Andrew's since joining from Brentford.

The Verdict

This would be a solid start to Villa's transfer window, and it should also come as a promising sign to supporters that Villa are keen on getting their business done early.

I'm not convinced that Jota will be a regular starter for Dean Smith's side in the top-flight, but he is an excellent squad player that the Villa boss will be able to call upon from the bench.

Villa need to ensure they are fully equipped with reinforcements in all areas, and Jota would certainly provide that.