With Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendía and Leon Bailey all joining Aston Villa this summer, the midlands side have already done some fantastic business in the transfer window.
However, with Jack Grealish’s imminent £100m move to Manchester City, who are the heavy favourites to win the title in the Premier League odds, set to be announced any minute now, Dean Smith will be eager to bring in a replacement for the Villa captain.
So, let’s jump straight in and take a look at four players Aston Villa have been linked with as they look to replace Grealish. Read on to find out more!
Todd Cantwell
Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell is reportedly Villa’s prime target, and whilst it’s believed that no contact has been made between the two sides, the midlands outfit are expected to make their move as soon as Grealish’s departure from Villa Park is confirmed.
Smith has already lured Buendía away from Carrow Road this summer, which is proof that business can be done between the club’s hierarchies. However, the 23-year-old is a key player for the Canaries, who are one of the favourites for the drop in the English Premier League relegation odds.
So, he won’t come cheap — especially with Norwich knowing that Villa have just received a nine-figure fee for their skipper!
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Julián Álvarez
Villa already have Bertrand Traore, Buendía and Bailey in their attack, so Smith could be looking to add depth to his ranks rather than a regular starter, and Julián Álvarez would be a fantastic choice.
The 21-year-old River Plate forward made his debut for Argentina earlier this summer, and Lionel Messi was reportedly so impressed with the youngster that he called Barcelona’s president to tell him to keep an eye out for him.
Álvarez has attracted interest from the MLS, with Orlando City recently having a bid of around £7m plus add-ons rejected. However, it is believed that Álvarez would have snubbed the move anyway, as he is supposedly more interested in joining Villa.
Mikkel Damsgaard
One of Denmark’s stars from their impressive run to the semi-final of Euro 2020, where they eventually came unstuck against England at Wembley, it’s no surprise that Mikkel Damsgaard has attracted plenty of interest this summer.
The 21-year-old, who currently plies his trade for Sampdoria in the Italian Serie A, scored twice for his country at the Euros, including that stunning freekick against the Three Lions. The Blucerchiati are reportedly willing to let the promising winger leave should a bid of around £35m be lodged, and Villa will certainly have the cash to spare.
However, they could have to fend off their Premier League counterparts Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United if they want to secure Damsgaard’s signature.
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James Ward-Prowse
According to The Athletic’s Aston Villa reporter Gregg Evans, the midlands side are interested in Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse. However, he claims that it is unlikely that Villa will be able to lure the midfielder away from St. Mary’s Stadium.
The 26-year-old had a fantastic season for the Saints last year, netting eight times and assisting seven in 38 Premier League appearances, and we’re sure he’d love to link up with Ings again. An initial bid of £25m for Ward-Prowse has unsurprisingly been turned down, but an improved offer is expected from Villa.