Aston Villa are expected to receive proposals from Middlesbrough and Southampton in the coming days.
Middlesbrough are apparently preparing a bid to recruit an Aston Villa defender, although they will face competition from a number of other Championship clubs.
Villa must still make numerous sales by June 30 or risk failing to meet the Premier League’s profit and sustainability standards (PSR). A number of periphery players could go to help balance the books, including right-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden.
Southampton and Coventry City are among the English second-tier clubs showing an interest. The Saints were supposed to be leading the battle for a new right-sided defender following Kyle Walker-Peters’ impending free transfer.
Middlesbrough join Southampton and Coventry in the Aston Villa transfer war.
According to the Telegraph, another team has joined the fight, with Middlesbrough showing interest. Boro are reportedly preparing a £3 million proposal, which would be a pure profit for Villa in terms of PSR. That figure may appear to be low, given Kesler-Hayden’s extensive experience in the Championship, but it is what has been reported.
Kesler-Hayden had a successful loan spell at Preston North End last season, making 44 games in the English second division. Preston’s season may not have been very successful, as they just avoided relegation on goal difference, but Kesler-Hayden was a rare bright spot, earning the Lancashire club’s player of the season title.
The North End want to keep Kesler-Hayden long term, but interest from other clubs is high, and Birmingham World believes Villa consider the right-back as a top Championship or lower Premier League player. The academy product was only worth a few million dollars a year ago, but his value has subsequently increased.
With Boro now in the mix, it’s uncertain whether club will be considered favourites to sign Kesler-Hayden. Villa ultimately holds the cards and would prefer a bidding war, yet the looming PSR deadline will unfortunately hasten the process.
Who else might Villa sell to alleviate PSR concerns?
Many think that selling some periphery players would be the best solution to alleviate PSR concerns while not having a significant influence on the first-team group. For example, attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia will be sold, Kosta Nedeljkovic is anticipated to join RB Leipzig permanently for roughly £12 million, and Valencia is considering a permanent move for defensive midfielder Enzo Barrenechea.
Emiliano Martinez, far from a marginal player, has been extensively linked with a move away because Villa can do some savvy business in the goalkeeper position. Martinez, a two-time Yashin Trophy champion, is attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Europe’s top five leagues, including Atletico Madrid. Leon Bailey is another player up for sale, as head coach Unai Emery considers the winger expendable.
Who do you believe should be sold this week, and who should Kesler-Hayden join? Please let us know in the comments.
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