The influence of the super-agent has really increased in the English second-tier over the last couple of seasons. 

Last season saw Wolves romp to the Championship title, with the help of Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes in their impressive transfer dealings.

Mendes has done the same again this campaign, albeit at Nottingham Forest, helping to secure the likes of Joao Carvalho, Gil Dias and Diogo Goncalves.

It now appears that Aston Villa will be the next to explore this route with the club already contacting Mendes, according to the Express and Star.

The club's new owners are apparently keen to strip manager Steve Bruce of his say in the club's transfer business, instead, asking Mendes to recommend his clients to the club instead.

Goalkeeper Andrea Moreira has already arrived at the club on-loan from Atletico Madrid for the season and the club are keen for more to follow.

Villa were actually one of three clubs who voiced their concerns to the EFL over Mendes' involvement with Wolves last season, so their change of heart may be surprising.

So is it a good move for Villa to enlist the help of super-agents?

We discuss...

Jay Taylor

The Wolves model has been proven to work once, Nottingham Forest have attempted to do it this summer and it remains to be seen if it will work.

It might not necessarily work for every team who tries it and I think it is a move that would not suit a club like Villa and a manager like Steve Bruce.

Bruce knows what he is doing and it looks like it the owners starting to meddle in team affairs.

Villa should steer clear of this model, it's the fashionable thing to do, but all trends end sooner or later.

George Dagless

It's the done thing now.

Jorge Mendes was pivotal in Wolves' promotion and is helping Forest out so it seems the plan to follow.

Villa need to act quickly now though.

Gary Hutchinson

It's a change of direction football seems to take, but in my eyes it is a fallacy.

They're asking agents to recommend players, it is a bit like getting Tesco to recommend your food - they don't care as long as they shift someone.

I think it should be the club's choice, but maybe I'm old-fashioned.

Chris Gallagher

I'm not so sure.

Obviously Wolves have shown it can work but they were prepared to back the manager with massive signings such as Ruben Neves.

If Villa aren't in a position to bring in those calibre of players because of FFP, who will they end up signing?

It can work but I wouldn't put everything on these agents bringing in players.

Alfie Burns

It worked for Wolves, so it could well work for Villa.

My only doubt here is Steve Bruce and if he is happy with somebody else controlling his transfers.

It’s going to be interesting watching this develop.