Transfer expert Alex Crook has told TalkSPORT (Thursday, 11:47AM) that Southampton defender Jan Bednarek is a target for Aston Villa and while both clubs wants different types of deals – Steven Gerrard wants the Saints centre-back.
Villa are desperately looking to sign a centre-back. The 26-year-old has been a regular for Southampton since joining the Premier League side in 2017 – clocking up 152 appearances in all competitions for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.
Diego Carlos, a summer signing at Villa, has snapped ankle ligaments and will be sidelined for much of the 21-22 season. Villa do have Calum Chambers, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause – but the latter could depart.
Reports emerged this week that Villa want the 42-time Poland international. Now, Crook delivers an update. He says Gerrard has set his sights on the Saints defender. Southampton want a permanent deal, but Villa want a loan move.
However, a compromise is likely to be met and Crook says a fee of £15million would be required to sign the Saints ace. Indeed, the ball is in Southampton’s park with Bednarek’s contract expiring in 2025.
“Jan Bednarek, I’m told, is very much in Villa’s sights. Villa want a loan deal, Southampton prefer a permanent exit. He is very much in Steven Gerrard’s sights. I think it would take a fee of around £15million to get him out of Southampton.”
Crook: Gerrard wants Southampton defender Bednarek for Villa, £15m fee
It is a smart move. Villa need a player that can come in and immediately replace Carlos. A player that is similar to Carlos, one incredibly strong in the air and given they need an instant replacement – one that is proven in England.
Bednarek is both of those. A move to Villa is arguably a step up from Southampton. Given the ambition and cash-rich nature of Villa. £15million is a good fee for the Saints, given they bought him five years ago for £5.7million.
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