Aston Villa backed to sign ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ after confirmed news – Whelan
Noel Whelan has claimed a centre-midfielder who could provide cover for John McGinn would be “the final piece of the jigsaw” for Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker also heaped praise on the Midlands club for their dealings in the transfer window so far.
Villa have bolstered their squad with the additions of Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Axel Tuanzebe, Ashley Young and Emiliano Buendia this summer.
Dean Smith is keen to add another centre-midfielder to his ranks.
However, Southampton confirmed on Thursday that James Ward-Prowse, who was targeted by Villa earlier in the window, has penned a lucrative new deal at St. Mary’s.
As reported by Italian outlet TuttoMercato, Sparta Rotterdam midfielder Abdou Harroui is an alternative but Nottingham Forest are reportedly close to his capture.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if a midfielder was needed at Villa Park, Whelan said:
“A centre-midfielder would be the final piece of the jigsaw for me.
“They have got a striker, an attacking midfielder and they have great wide players now.
“Covering the McGinn role would be a good idea I think. They have Luiz coming back from the Olympics which will help.
“I think they have done the best business in the Premier League this summer though. They nailed on who they wanted to bring in, went out and spent the cash. Of course, they knew Jack Grealish was going to head off.
“If they want to get a midfielder in they will have to act quickly though because there’s not many days left. I really think a top six finish should be the aim with what they have got.”
In other news, Danny Mills is in awe of the ‘brilliant’ Aston Villa amid a confirmed transfer update.