Aston Villa are interested after it emerged Reading defender Chris Gunter could be signed for just £1m – far less than Hull City want for Ahmed Elmohamady.
Reports that Reading defender Chris Gunter has a buyout clause worth just £1 million in his contract has caused quite the stir.
Though they will face competition from top flight Swansea City as well as Championship promotion chasers Leeds United and Aston Villa.
Welsh international Gunter is one of the Championship’s most consistent players
A solid, dependable performer with 79 caps for Wales, the 27-year-old Gunter played in every league game as season as Reading eventually lost out to Huddersfield Town in the play-off final at Wembley.
Therefore, it’s no surprise there is so much interest. Though reports that Villa could make a move are particularly intriguing.
According to The Telegraph, Financial Fair Play restrictions mean Villa will be forced to keep their spending to a minimum this summer unless they recoup funds from the sales of players like Ross McCormack, Aaron Tshibola and Jordan Amavi.
Better value?
Therefore, at just £1 million, Gunter is a bargain Villa simply cannot afford to ignore. And it appears that the experienced defender could be far better value for money than Ahmed Elmohamady.
Ahmed Elmohamady (R) helped Steve Bruce’s Hull earn promotion to the Premier League in 2016
Elmohamady, renowned for his impressive crossing ability and energy on the flank, would certainly add more going forward than the solid if unspectacular Gunter.
Yet, at £2 million less, cash-strapped Villa could be forgiven for devoting their energy towards nabbing Reading’s key man this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
