In what is a very short close season before the Premier League resumes in mid-September, this is a vitally important time for Villa to secure reinforcements throughout the squad.
Whilst there is a raft of transfer news and rumour concerning Villa’s goalscoring options, there has been little in terms of defensive links.
The latest transfer speculation concerns Dean Smith’s need to shore up Villa’s right back position. A role once fulfilled by Alan Hutton, Frederic Guilbert has been plauged by injuries in his first season, whilst Ahmed Elmohamady is now the wrong side of 30.
It’s no surprise that Villa are therefore exploring opportunities to provide greater strength in depth in this role.
Matty Cash
Villa are strongly linked to Nottingham Forest right fullback Matty Cash, who is valued at £15 million by the two time European Champions.
Sheffield United are known to have had a £10 million bid rejected whilst newly promoted Leeds United are also interested. Villa would also face competition from both West Ham and Southampton for Forest’s star defenders signature.
Cash shone for the East Midlands club last season, appearing in all but four of their games. The 23 year old also has an appealing creative side, with five assists and three goals to his name last term.
Villa shouldn’t be sentimental during this transfer window and if there are defensive reinforcements available, they should be acquired. After spreading £140 million very thin after last seasons playoff final win, now is the time to add quality to the squad ahead of a second season in the top flight where we can’t endure another relegation scrap.
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HIGHLIGHT REEL
I am not sure right back is a priority, although Cash has had more career games on the right side of midfield. I could see Smith being interested, but it will be a question of priorities. Potentially, his versatility might see him in the mix. Maybe Bruce will take his beloved Elmo for a Magpies shirt fitting?
Despite the Sun proclaiming we are working to a £100M transfer budget, I would take that with a massive pinch of salt. COVID-19 will have taken it’s toll, even on Villa, so player movements might be a little less bold than the press suggest.
With 27 senior players and a core squad of 25 registered pros required by the Premier League, we need to move on the likes of Hogan, Davis, possibly Wesley, Lansbury, Bree, Kalinic et al. Otherwise we are back into the loaning game.
All told, I think 3-4 will come in and mainly with focus up front. Cash might be the exception.
£15m for a championship full back for a team who can’t even make the play offs? Valuations have gone mad
Edouard and Benrahma should be Villa’s priorities plus a creative midfielder and a class fullback.
It’s time for signing not talk about potential signing