Despite the recent acquisition of Ross Barkley, the transfer rumour-mill shows now sign of abating.
Indeed, with Villa’s second string reminding us their limitations after a dour defeat to Stoke in the Carabao Cup, further moves for available reinforcements cannot be ruled out.
Whilst Villa’s primary targets appear to now have been acquired, Dean Smith will be mindful of a lack of cover both at centre half (Injury News: Kortney Hause) and a ‘Plan B’ if Douglas-Luiz were unavailable.
Marc Roca
Embed from Getty ImagesMarc Roca is a 23 year old defensive midfielder, currently valued at around £13.5m, who Villa (accordingly to the Spanish based press) have entered the race to sign.
Espanyol, who crashed out of La Liga last season, are in dire financial straights following both relegation and the wider effects of Coronavirus. Attempts to move on their most valuable assets, such as Roca, are a necessary evil to urgently reduce the wage bill.
Sheffield United and Burnley are admirers for a player known to have a release clause of £36m. It’s therefore a sign of the times that Espanyol may be willing accept a bid for as low as £10m.
For Smith, who will be concerned by the lack of consistency and quality in squad players such as Marvellous Nakamba, Roca may represent a straightforward and cost effective upgrade for the season ahead.
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