Whelan suggests Tyrone Mings is on his way out of Aston Villa after source’s reveal
Noel Whelan has suggested new Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is right to identify Tyrone Mings as the weak link after their poor start to the season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Midlands giants are not in need of pressing reinforcements in attack, midfield, or at full-back.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (28 October) that Aston Villa are in the market for a left-sided centre-back to cast new doubt on Mings’ future.
It is understood that Steven Gerrard wanted the England international out in the summer before being forced to row back on his decision after injury to Diego Carlos.
Mings has made 10 Premier League starts this season as Villa sit 15th in the table after 12 games.
Whelan insisted Emery is walking into a side with an “abundance” of depth in all departments save from defence.
When asked if centre-back was the most glaring hole in the Aston Villa squad, he told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yes – when you’re conceding that many goals and there’s that inconsistency in performances.
“We know they’ve had a big injury to a big player in Diego Carlos. He’s out long-term.
“When you look at their midfield and their forward line, there is more than enough talent there.
“He’s targeting the right areas. Full-back wise, too, they have two of the best in the Premier League.
“He will be looking for strength in depth in this backline now. They’ve got it in abundance everywhere else on the pitch.
“The defence is now the area which needs to be bolstered, and I don’t think it takes a brain surgeon to realise that Mings is an area they need to strengthen.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues “£444m” reveal as Aston Villa to back Emery to the hilt.