Aston Villa have started talks with Juventus over a potential deal to sign midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, which could cost around £16million.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim that Villa are in negotiations to bring Bentancur to Villa Park this month.
Steven Gerrard allegedly believes he needs more in midfield and sees Bentancur as competition for Douglas Luiz in midfield.
Villa do already have the likes of Luiz, John McGinn, Morgan Sanson and Jacob Ramsey, but Marvelous Nakamba is out with a long-term injury.
Gerrard now wants to add competition in midfield and thinks Bentancur is the man to bring what Villa need going forward.
Villa have already landed Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho, so a deal for Bentancur would really show that Gerrard is being backed.
Bentancur, 24, has started 12 Serie A games and five Champions League games this season, playing a fairly important role for Massimiliano Allegri.
Formerly of Boca Juniors, Bentancur has struggled for consistency this season despite being given so many opportunities to shine.
Bentancur isn’t really a goalscoring midfielder; in 180 games for Juventus across all competitions, he has only found the net three times.
Add in 45 caps for Uruguay and Bentancur has played at a very high level, meaning this could be something of a coup for Villa.
If Gerrard wanted a recommendation, he may just get one from his former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez, who has turned out with Bentancur for Uruguay.
Matthijs de Ligt is certainly a big fan, stating that Bentancur has ‘truly amazing technical ability’ whilst backing him for a ‘great future’.
Bentancur may need a fresh start just to add to his game again, and there are few managers who know what it takes to be a top midfielder more than Gerrard.
Juve have been reluctant to let midfielder Arthur leave for Arsenal, so it will now be very interesting to see whether Villa face similar obstacles over Bentancur.
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