Aston Villa plan to sign defender known well to Unai Emery – sources
Aston Villa are plotting to sign a new right-back in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
This comes after Matty Cash has spent a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on 24 August.
In his place, Ezri Konsa has been asked to fill in outside of his usual centre-back position, although he is not viewed as a long-term option by his boss.
Following the 2-2 draw against Ipswich, Unai Emery explained that Cash remains their only senior right-back when asked whether the position was a concern.
Konsa’s performance during the clash at Portman Road has left supporters frustrated amid calls for him to return to his more natural position.
As a result, Villa are keen to enter the transfer market in January to find a new right-sided full-back who can provide backup and push Cash for his starting place.
Sources have said Emery and Monchi could look to bring in a player with whom they are already familiar to limit the time spent adapting to his system and the Premier League.
Aston Villa line up new right-back in January transfer deal
Cash arrived at Villa Park in 2020 after a £14million deal was agreed with then-Championship outfit Nottingham Forest, beating off plenty of interest in his signature.
However, the right-back has missed a combined 14 games with injury issues since the start of last season, raising concerns about his availability.
18-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic spent last season on loan at Serbian outfit Red Star and Emery does not yet view him as a first-team option given his lack of experience.
Ashley Young’s departure on a free transfer to Everton in 2023 left Villa without natural cover for Cash, often using Konsa out wide.
However, some inconsistent performances in the new role have led to the club switching their attention to a new full-back ahead of the next transfer window.
Cash remains the first-choice option under Emery, but there is also a feeling at the club that they could upgrade on his position should an option become available.
In other news, Liverpool make Joe Gomez decision as Villa swoop.
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