Fans are only just discovering how much Aston Villa need to pay to sign Marco Asensio permanently

Fans have only just learned how much Aston Villa need to pay to sign Marco Asensio on a permanent deal this summer - and it's a surprising amount.

Asensio joined Villa on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in January, with the Spaniard out of favour under Luis Enrique.

He has impressed so far in English football, scoring seven goals in just eight matches from attacking midfield.

The 29-year-old has already become a key player under Unai Emery, with his three goals across both legs in the Champions League last 16 clash against Club Brugge guiding Villa through to the quarter-finals of the competition.

They will now take on Asensio's parent club PSG in the last eight - but unlike in English football, where loanees are ineligible to play against their loan club even in cup competitions, the Spaniard can face the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring against Club Brugge in the Champions League (Image: Getty)

Villa fans are already hopeful that their club can sign Asensio permanently, though that may depend on whether they can qualify for Europe next season.

The other is whether the club are willing to pay the future fee as part of his PSG loan contract.

GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs reports that, while the fee does not appear to be explicitly stated as part of his contract, the two clubs have already begun talks over former Real Madrid midfielder Asensio's future - with a quoted fee of just £12 million.

Image: Twitter/@JacobsBen

Given Asensio's age, his goal and assist record in three major leagues, and the fact that he is now entering the peak of his powers, that amount would appear to be incredibly low for a player of his talent.

And Villa fans think the same.

Taking to Twitter, one wrote: "£12m for Asensio is an incredible bargain."

Another said: "Monchi [Aston Villa sporting director] is unbelievable."

A third added: "That fee for Asensio is a great deal tbh."

And a fourth stated: "Would be happy with this on so many levels. Obvious ability, worldwide name, huge experience to share with the squad, winning attitude."

Should Aston Villa sign Marco Asensio on a permanent deal from PSG? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.