Exclusive: West Brom make approach to sign Aston Villa 29-yr-old

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

28 Aug 2018, 5:19 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

West Brom have made an approach to sign Aston Villa defender Ritchie de Laet, Football Insider sources understands.

The Baggies are looking to bring in a new right-back before the loan transfer window closes at the end of the week and they have made enquiries about De Laet's availability.

A well placed source has told Football Insider that Villa could face competition from Gent for de Laet's signature with a Belgian club monitoring the former Manchester United defender's situation at Villa.

The 29-year-old is well down the pecking order in Steve Bruce's plans at Villa Park with his only appearance this season coming in the EFL Cup win over Yeovil.

The Belgian has made only 13 appearances for Villa since joining the club from Leicester City in the summer of 2016 with his progress held up by a series of injuries.

De Laet spent the second half of last season back in his homeland with Royal Antwerp where he made 18 appearances.

Bruce is well covered in the right-back position and he is willing to let de Laet go out on loan with an option to buy in January.

In other Aston Villa news, the club are close to sealing an attacking midfielder transfer.

West Bromwich Albion

Aston Villa