Reports linking Axel Witsel with a move to the Premier League and Aston Villa are “obvious nonsense”, according to Borussia Dortmund coach Rene Maric on Twitter.
After selling Thomas Delaney to Sevilla, it always seemed unlikely a youthful Dortmund side would let another of their most experienced players leave so late in the transfer window.
Witsel, the 32-year-old Belgium international, is a big presence on and off the pitch at Signal Iduna Park, showcasing his versatility and tactical intelligence by filling in at centre-half during the first few weeks of Marco Rose’s tenure.
According to Il Messaggero, Aston Villa have shown an interest in the former Zenit St Petersburg and Benfica man.
But Witsel, who has a staggering 114 caps adorning a highly impressive CV, won’t be leaving Dortmund before tonight’s transfer deadline, if Maric’s comments are anything to go by.
“It’s obvious nonsense,” Maric wrote, responding to speculation linking the Dortmund veteran with a potential £4 million switch to England’s second city.
If Dortmund won’t sell Witsel to Aston Villa, who’s next on the shopping list?
Aston Villa have spent big on the likes of Leon Bailey, Danny Ings and Emi Buendia this summer but haven’t given up on adding a tough-tackling, deep-lying midfielder to Dean Smith’s squad.
Villa remain over-reliant on Douglas Luiz in the number six position, with Marvelous Nakamba often flattering to deceive when given a chance in the top flight.
Aston Villa failed with a £10 million bid for Lens youngster Cheick Doucoure recently and showed an interest in Delaney before his move to Spain.
Smith’s side have also been linked with Weston McKennie.
Juventus manager Max Allegri poured plenty of cold water on that particular story, however, insisting McKennie still had a part to play in Turin, via Tuttomercatoweb.
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