Aston Villa could be losing another player ahead of deadline day following interest from one of their domestic rivals.
Aston Villa’s transfer business might get even busier in the next three days. They are still in the process of adding quality depth to their squad as they face a more intense schedule due to their participation in the Champions League this season.
After signing Ibrahim Mbaye and Nicolas Jackson, they have made an official offer for Manchester United man Amad Diallo. Villa are also still working on talks with Southampton to snatch defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
The Lions could be releasing more players too. Leon Bailey could be one to go after Tammy Abraham was loaned out to Ipswich Town. However, a surprising name could be heading for the exit after a Premier League rival expressed their interest, as mentioned by notable football journalist Peter O’Rourke on his X account.
“Manchester United have made an enquiry for Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen as they search to bring in a new left-back.”
Maatsen has been Villa’s first choice so far since Lucas Digne’s departure this summer. He has featured regularly in pre-season, the UEFA Super Cup and the Premier League opener. His contract runs until 2030, so the Dutchman could be looking to cement his place as the number-one left-back.
However, the arrival of Matteo Ruggeri, who has just been signed to provide competition for him, might change Maatsen’s mind. Manchester United need to provide proper competition and cover for Luke Shaw. Therefore, the former Chelsea man will have to be in form to keep or fight for his place, whether at Villa Park or Old Trafford.
Consistency remains his weakness so far. Maatsen has made 91 appearances for The Clarets and Blue, registering three goals and providing four assists.
It is still unclear whether Villa are keen to sell him after the massive changes to the team, especially with limited time left to find a replacement. At the moment, The Lions only have two players who can naturally play at left-back: Maatsen and Ruggeri. Aaron Wan-Bissaka can be deployed at left-back when necessary, but his main position is right-back.
Ideally, Villa would not let him go. Nevertheless, the player, whose current value is around £25.5 million, could command a higher price due to the length of his contract. If Manchester United are willing to meet their demands, then Villa could have to scramble to find his successor.
The best possible way to sign a replacement immediately would be to search the free-agent market. At the moment, there are three notable left-backs Villa could sign for free. Interestingly, one of them previously played for The Red Devils.
The first one is Tyrell Malacia. The 27-year-old left-back featured 50 times for United but did not contribute a single goal or assist. He was released after a four-year spell at Old Trafford.
The next one is the experienced Raphael Guerreiro. The 32-year-old versatile player is available after his contract with Bayern expired this summer. The Portuguese international made 95 appearances for Die Roten, registering 14 goals and eight assists.
The last one is former Union Berlin defender Diogo Leite. His natural position is centre-back, but he is a naturally left-footed defender, so he could be trained to play at left-back. His style of play is also more suitable for a wider role due to his tendency to utilise long balls to launch counter-attacks. The 27-year-old Portuguese was a key man for the Bundesliga outfit before his contract expired this summer.
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