Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of Jota from Birmingham City, with Dean Smith looking to reunite with the winger he worked with during his time at Brentford.  

That’s the latest according to Nick Mashiter, who confirms that Gary Gardner will head in the opposite direction to Birmingham, with medicals on the horizon.

Jota, 27, bagged three goals and 11 assists last season for Birmingham, with his best goalscoring form coming under Smith’s guide at Brentford.

So, would the Spaniard be a good signing for Aston Villa, who are heading back to the Premier League following promotion?

We discuss…

Toby Wilding

"This has the potential to be a good signing.

"Jota is one of those players I always feel has that spark to create something from nowhere, and Villa may well need that in the Premier League next year.

"There may be some concern about the fact that Jota has yet to play in the Premier League before, but that doesn't appear to have put Villa off other potential targets, so it shouldn't have an effect here either."

Alfie Burns  

“I’m not entirely convinced that Jota is good enough for the Premier League, but you’ve got to trust Dean Smith here.

“Smith worked with the winger at Brentford and has done good business since his arrival at Aston Villa.

“What you can say is that if this is part of a swap deal for Gardner, Villa are getting the better of the transfer.”

George Dagless

"It's a rather interesting one.

"Jota was in good form under Smith at Brentford but never really showed what he could do at Birmingham.

"If he rediscovers that form then he might be a decent player for them in the Premier League but it is a considerable 'if' at the moment."