After last nights frustrating VAR tarnished defeat at Old Trafford, here is the latest transfer news from B6.
With Philippe Coutinho having already been confirmed on loan from Barcelona, the Brazilian was pictured arriving in Birmingham this afternoon. The 29 year old midfielder is expected to train midweek, before a decision is taken as to whether he’s involved in the Premier League fixture against United this weekend.
Seperately Villa are understood to be closing in on Lucas Digne, with the club remaining in talks with the French internatonal left-back.
Whilst we sit tight on any announcement concerning Digne, attention remains upon Goodison Park with Rafa Benitez interested in signing Anwar El Ghazi.
It has been reported that Everton are keen on securing a five month loan deal, but are open to the idea of a negotiating permanent move. Villa are understood to value the Dutch midfielder at £15m, but Everton have FFP headaches to overcome first.
EL GHAZI THOUGHTS
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 26 year old is increasingly a fringe player at Villa Park, and if he moves on, arguably will be regarded as rarely hitting the heights anticipated.
El Ghazi’s contributions have varied so wildly since his loan was made permanent following promotion back to the top flight, that it’s a divisive topic of discussion amongst fans.
On the face of it, the Dutchman is skillful, tricky and has a physique that lends itself to his wide position. In reality, he can be a frustrating watch, with end product and poor choices whilst in possession a recurring annoyance.
There are redeeming qualities, and it is those contrasting moments which have seen El Ghazi retained for so long as Villa have marched relentlessly onwards under the guise of ‘continuous improvement’. The former Ajax and Lille player proved deadly from the penalty spot, contributed a vital opening goal (and assist) in Villa’s Championship Playoff Final victory and scored a memorable thunderbolt against local rivals West Brom.
There would be no ill-will should the move go ahead, in fact, it would arguably be the right time as the player looks set to be pushed down the pecking order with Coutinho’s arrival. The other factor is that if Everton are putting up £15m for a player signed for £8m in 2019 then it also makes commerial sense. The only barrier to any deal immediately, is likely to be the fact that Benitez is wrestling with FFP considerations, rendering the likelihood of a loan move for now perhaps more likely.
More: Aston Villa Transfer News & Rumour Here
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