Aston Villa are desperate to replace the long-term injury of Diego Carlos with a new signing and Estadio Deportivo report the club have added to new centre-backs to their shortlist – in Jason Denayer and Arsenal man Rob Holding.
Carlos, 26, could be out for the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign after rupturing ankle ligaments. The Express & Star, among others, report the Brazilian defender may have to sit on the sidelines for a whopping nine months.
So, the search for a replacement begins. Reports from Italy on Tuesday claim that Juventus and Italy defender Daniele Rugani is an option. A new report claims that another two names have been added to Villa’s centre-back shortlist.
Denayer, 27, is a free agent after leaving Lyon and is yet to find a new club. A 35-time Belgium international, he played 139 times for Lyon – and has had spells at Celtic, Sunderland and Manchester City. Holding is also deemed an option.
The uncapped Englishman has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal following the return of William Saliba after a loan at Marseille. The Gunners are in the Europa League and Holding is good cover, but he may be tempted by Villa.
Villa have added Denayer and Holding to shortlist
Villa definitely need a new centre-back to replace the loss of Carlos. They now have an out-of-form Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, injury-prone Calum Chambers and back-up man Kortney Hause. Steven Gerrard will be desperate for another.
Denayer would be a quick and easy replacement. It would save Villa having to spend any cash to bring him in. His wages might be sizable, but he is a brilliant option and still only 27. He might prefer a club in European football.
Holding might be available for either a loan or a permanent deal. But Arsenal would much rather keep Holding, to keep their best options fresh in the Premier League when they play in Europe. His £38k-a-week deal ends in 2024.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
