Expert issues verdict on Lucas Digne axe at Aston Villa after £3.8m deal agreed
Noel Whelan has insisted Ludwig Augustinsson will not come in ahead of Lucas Digne in the Aston Villa pecking order.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted manager Steven Gerrard will be looking to keep the 28-year-old “on his toes” by bringing in the 46-time Sweden international.
Aston Villa confirmed on Monday (11 July) that they have agreed a deal with Sevilla for experienced left-back Augustinsson – with the player now in the process of obtaining a work permit.
According to Fabrizio Romano (11 July), the Midlands side have negotiated a loan-to-buy agreement with player and club – with the full package worth €4.5million (£3.8million).
Digne has notched four assists in 16 games for Villa since joining Gerrard’s side from Everton in the January transfer window.
Whelan insisted the demands of Premier League football mean top-flight managers will be looking to add back-up in every position this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it’s just looking for back-ups.
“They’re doing what every team is looking to do – double up on every single player.
“With the pandemic and the World Cup, there are so many games to be played now. You can’t afford to have that sort of depth – it’s that demanding.
“You’ve got to cover bases if you’re Aston Villa.
“Competition for places is healthy, though. I can’t remember too many times where I was the only player in my position at a club.
“There has to be someone who can come in when you’re not playing well and hit the heights that you can’t. It keeps you on your toes.
“It’s not out of the ordinary for Gerrard to go out and get a player like Augustinsson.”
In other news, expert backs Carney Chukwuemeka to leave Aston Villa after key development.