Aston Villa are reportedly one of a number of Premier League clubs with an interest in Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Anguissa.
After it was confirmed this week that the Cottagers have been relegated and will drop back down to the Championship, they may well have some difficulty in keeping their better players at the club.
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Villa interest in Anguissa
According to the Daily Mail, Anguissa is on the radar of Villa, Arsenal and Everton, while it’s suggested that he could be valued at around £20m.
The 25-year-old has been an ever present for Fulham this season, making 35 appearances and establishing himself as a key figure in Scott Parker’s side.
While it wasn’t enough to help them avoid relegation, he has been a solid piece in the side over the course of the campaign and importantly, would address an issue in the current Villa squad.
With a lack of competition and quality in midfield, particularly in terms of steeliness, power and energy in the deeper-lying midfield roles, Anguissa could address a need for Villa this summer if we are serious, and can prise him away from Fulham.
Time will tell if that happens, but ultimately the report above suggests that Villa are interested.
Heaton edging towards Villa exit
As per The Telegraph, Tom Heaton is moving towards a move to Man Utd this summer, with the 35-year-old’s Villa contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Having recovered from a serious knee injury, the shot-stopper now finds himself behind Emiliano Martinez in the pecking order at Villa, and so a lack of playing time could force him to consider his options.
While competition is fierce at Utd too, a return to his former club and a chance to win silverware in the latter stages of his career could be an appealing move for him.
Should he decide to move on, it remains to be seen if Villa opt to bring in another goalkeeper to fill the void, with Jed Steer available as back-up, while Lovre Kalinic will return from a loan spell this summer.
Douglas Luiz tipped to stay at Villa
Meanwhile, the Telegraph report above also notes that Man City aren’t expected to exercise their buy-back clause for Douglas Luiz this summer, with Fernandinho expected to extend his stay at the Etihad.
That will be a boost for Smith as the Brazilian ace has become a pivotal figure in our side, and it would appear as though we won’t have to be concerned with the prospect of seeing him return to Manchester.
That said, as noted above, there is still a need to strengthen our midfield options this summer and so it’s hoped that we do make a key signing in that department still.