Whilst much of the attention remains on the future of Jack Grealish, the transfer rumour vultures have now begun to circle other prominent Villa Players.
Villa are of course in a perilous position at the moment, with just four games remaining to salvage Premier League status.
The next attempt to claw our way out of the relegation zone will be against Manchester United at Villa Park (9th July 2020 – Kick Off 20:15pm GMT).
United are, coincidentally, the interested party in Villa’s England international defender…
TYRONE MINGS
Mings joined Villa on loan after an injury hit spell at Bournemouth.
After playing a major role at the heart of Villa’s defence during our successful promotion campaign, Mings secured an eye-watering £26m switch.
Whilst defensively Villa have the leakiest back-line in the Premier League, Mings has rarely been the weak link. Indeed, he’s suffered for rarely having a settled defensive partner alongside him due to injuries.
Bjorn Engel’s, who looked the the most complete player alongisde Mings, has been hampered by recurrent long term injury all season. Kortney Hause and Esri Konsa have deputised, but neither have top flight experience and their performances have reflected this on more than one occasion.
To further underline Villa’s defensive struggles, Konsa has had to fulful and unfamiliar role at right full-back due to Frederic Guilbert’s absence. To the left of Mings it is a similar story, with Matt Targett having endured three separate hamstring injuries. Neil Taylor is currently filling in.
It’s the same story behind the 27 year old.
Villa seemed to have solved its goalkeeping problem until a serious knee injury ruled Tom Heaton out for the rest of the season on New Years Day. Orjan Nyland, despite a brief upturn in form during the Carabao Cup, has let himself down with numerous high profile errors. Veteran ‘keeper Pepe Reina, himself prone to a moment of madness, is the current preferred choice.
Mings must wonder who he’ll be lining up alongside most weeks.
The latest transfer news outlines that Manchester United look set to continue their rebuilding. Having slipped behind both local rivals Manchester City, they must now also contend with Liverpool having secured their first Premier League title.
Solskjaer is reportedly in a predicament as the funds that have been earmarked for purchasing up to three defenders, would ironically be consumed by a big move for Grealish.
Mings has been identifed amongst three other priority defensive targets to support Harry Maguire in central defence. Whilst United are presently well resourced in this position in terms of numbers, injuries and overall quality has been lacking. Therefore, they’ll certainly look to strengthen in the close season.
It remains to be seen how this story will pan out and much will depend upon whether Villa manage to stay up.
Stay up, and this is perhaps a test of Villa’s resolve against Mings’ broader ambitions and any loyalty.
Get relegated, reality dictates that he will in all probability exit Villa Park, with the club attempting to recoup anything in the region of the colossal £26 million outlay made last summer.
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