Aston Villa now lining up summer move for Anderlecht’s Nunzio Engwanda
Aston Villa are now in the picture to sign a centre-back, and a summer deal could be possible for a low fee.
Villa eyeing low-cost signings amid PSR concerns
Villa’s summer transfer business is expected to be impacted by PSR once again, which makes qualifying for the Champions League even more important, given that increased revenue could make it easier to keep hold of some of Unai Emery’s stars.
Morgan Rogers is one of the players who has been attracting interest, with Manchester United said to be ‘unfazed’ by the price tag of at least £100m, while fellow Premier League rivals Arsenal have also been named as potential suitors.
Given the Villans’ PSR issues, they have recently been identifying potential low-cost additions to the squad, with Hearts defender Alfie Osborne, whose contract is set to expire in the summer, recently emerging as a top target.
Bringing in a new centre-back is on the agenda, amid the uncertainty surrounding Tyrone Mings’ long-term future, with the Englishman yet to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Villa Park beyond the end of next season, and another young centre-back has now emerged as an option.
Villa in the picture to sign new centre-back
According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon (via BirminghamLive), Aston Villa are now lining up a summer move for youngster Nunzio Engwandawho made his first-team debut for Anderlecht last season.
Interestingly, Engwanda may be ‘available for a bargain fee’ this summer, which would be ideal for Villa, given their PSR concerns, and there are indications he could be an exciting long-term addition to Emery’s squad.
At just 15-years-old, the teenager made his debut in Belgium’s second tier, becoming the youngest player in Belgian football history in the process, which is certainly an encouraging sign.
Scout Jacek Kulig has also waxed lyrical about the youngster, saying: “His talent knows no bounds, as evidenced by his consistent role as a youth international for Belgium. Embarking on his journey with the U-15 team, he’s demonstrated remarkable potential, even making an appearance in the U-20 setup, defying his tender age.”
Having only made three senior appearances for the Anderlecht first team, Aston Villa could perhaps do with bringing in a more experienced defender alongside the Belgian starlet, if Mings were to leave.
However, Engwanda has been putting in some solid performances at youth level, recently winning three aerial duels and completing 87/90 passes against Club NXT U23s, and there are signs he could be able to push for a starting spot at Villa in the years to come.
Aston Villa hold talks over signing a bigger talent than Rogers for £60m
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