Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that he wanted to sign Jeffrey Schlupp.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has told the Daily Mail that he attempted to sign Jeffrey Schlupp from Leicester City, but Crystal Palace won the race for his signature.
Bruce is looking to add new faces to his squad during this month’s transfer window, and whilst he added Manchester United’s young goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan until the end of the season, more additions are needed for Villa.
Manchester United’s Ander Herrera in action with Leicester City’s Jeffrey Schlupp
With Bruce still dreaming of a play-off place, he’ll be looking to make some smart additions, and the left of midfield appears to be one area of concern, given that Jordan Ayew and Jack Grealish have been shoved out there this term.
A number of wingers have been linked with the club already, and The Guardian reported earlier this week that Villa were expected to launch a £12million bid to sign Jeffrey Schlupp from Leicester City.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
The Ghanaian – an international team-mate of Villa’s Ayew and Albert Adomah – possesses great speed that could have been valuable for Villa, but he ended up joining Premier League side Crystal Palace on Friday in a £12million deal (Sky Sports).
The 24-year-old got his Palace career started with a substitute appearance during today’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United, and Villa manager Bruce has been discussing his interest in the player.
Speaking to the Daily Mail before this evening’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bruce admitted that he was keen on Schlupp, but Premier League money from Palace meant Villa lost the race for his signature.
Bruce noted that players of Schlupp’s quality are exactly what Villa are looking for, meaning fans may be looking for Villa to splash the cash on a quality winger this month.
“Schlupp, for example, we tried for but unfortunately with the lure of the Premier League and the wages of the Premier League we’ve lost out,” said Bruce. “But that sort of quality is what we’re looking for,” he added.
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