Aston Villa missed out on Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur in January – and actually think they can do better this summer.
Before January’s transfer deadline, Villa offered £20.5million for Bentancur. As reported by Sky Sports, Juventus rejected that bid.
Tottenham succeeded where Villa failed just a few days later. Their successful offer was £21.5million – just £1million more than Villa’s bid.
Fabio Paratici may have managed to convince his former club into doing him a favour, leaving Villa disappointed.
Bentancur has made an instant impact for Tottenham, bringing real poise and quality to Antonio Conte’s midfield.
The Uruguayan is forming a strong partnership with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and looks almost undroppable right now.
Villa weren’t able to sign another midfielder before the deadline – and now think they can do better.
Villa aiming higher than Tottenham star Bentancur
The Athletic report that Villa feel they have summer targets in mind who are ‘more appealing’ than Bentancur.
You do then have to question why Villa lodged a bid that was so close to being accepted.
Additionally, Bentancur has taken to Premier League life brilliantly and turned in a strong display against Villa last weekend.
Steven Gerrard is desperate for a holding midfielder and he will do well to find a better signing than Bentancur.
Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips feels like an unrealistic target even if Villa throw money at the deal.
Yves Bissouma is another name mentioned but whether Brighton will sell is another matter.
John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey need a holder behind them and that seems to be the prime focus for Villa this summer.
Whilst Villa may be scrambling for a defensive midfielder this summer, Tottenham can rest safe in the knowledge that they already have Bentancur on board.
At just over £21million, Tottenham will likely be very happy with their deal; Villa’s loss is certainly Tottenham’s gain right now.
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