Aston Villa are admirers of Southampton midfielder, Oriol Romeu, according to a report.
The Telegraph claim that Villa have identified defensive midfield as an area they need to address during the summer transfer window.
Previously, it was suggested that Villa are keen on James Ward-Prowse’s talents, but it also seems those in the Midlands boardroom have an eye on another Saints player.
At the age of, 29, Romeu is far more experienced than Ward-Prowse, with a more defensive mind, physicality and intelligence in controlling games from deep.
A product of the Barcelona academy product, Romeu has been one of the most underrated players in the Premier League in recent years, with Pep Guardiola being a big admirer of the player.
The Manchester City boss claimed back in December that his fellow countryman is ‘one of the best midfielders’ in the Premier League, as he told the club’s official website.
Do Villa need Romeu?
Well, if Romeu were to sign then he would battle John McGinn, Morgan Sanson, Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba for a starting birth.
McGinn wouldn’t have to worry about his place in the side, whilst Luiz is ahead of the other two.
Nakamba did end the 2020/21 Premier League season in a strong fashion, but since joining the club in 2019, he hasn’t showcased the consistency needed in the middle of the park.
As for Sanson, since his move from Marseille in January, he has had an injury-hit stop-start time to life in B6.
If Villa are to push for a Southampton player then Ward-Prowse would be the one and the better pick because he also ticks the set-piece box.
Romeu would no doubt be a smart purchase and a reliable one, but if Villa push for his talents then the question has to be asked as to who might be heading from the exit door from the current crop?
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