Aston Villa are working on January signing in one position – Ex-Villa scout
Aston Villa will look to sign a new right-back in January as they look to strengthen their side, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at Villa until 2021 and remains well-connected at the club, exclusively told Football Insider that Unai Emery will look to improve his squad in January to help them compete at the highest level.
This comes following concerns raised in the wake of the 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road as the boss highlighted that Matty Cash remains their only senior right-back.
Ezri Konsa has filled in during the Poland international’s injury absence, but there is a feeling at the club that he should be allowed to move back into his natural position.
However, with concerns about Cash’s recent injury record and defensive ability, the club believe they can upgrade the position to strengthen the team overall.
Brown also explained that Emery is likely to explore options he is already familiar with to help their transition into the Premier League.
Aston Villa eye new right-back in January transfer twist
Villa enjoyed a busy summer transfer window which saw eight permanent transfers brought in, and are showing no signs of slowing down in January.
Brown, who played a role in bringing Cash to the club in 2020, insisted the club can never stop improving their first-team squad while they want to compete towards the top end of the table and in European competitions.
“We signed Matty Cash when I was there,” he told Football Insider.
“But when you get to where Villa are and you’re challenging at the top of that table, you have to look to see where you can improve.
“They’ll always need better than what they’ve got.
“Konsa has come in there, now nobody would have said Konsa is a right-back, but he’s done well there and he’s played there for England now.
“But I understand they’ll be looking at that position and thinking ‘If we can get the right player, that’ll make us a better team.’
“In terms of who they go for, managers usually like to work with players they already know can improve the team so that they can adapt quickly.
“Emery will know somebody in the Spanish market.”
In other news, Villa scout shares what he’s heard about Ollie Watkins exit.
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