Unai Emery to sign new midfielder as Aston Villa linked with Weston McKennie transfer – BBC pundit
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Alan Hutton has backed Unai Emery to sign more midfielders in the summer after Aston Villa were linked with Leeds United loanee Weston McKennie.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport reported on 15 March that Leeds are unlikely to sign McKennie, 24, on a permanent basis with the USA international currently on loan at Elland Road from Juventus.
It is understood that Emery is “crazy” about singing the ex-Schalke midfielder and he could be involved in a deal that sees Juventus sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Villa’s central midfield options are relatively light at the minute due to injuries to Boubacar Kamara and Leander Dendoncker.
Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey are other options, although the latter two have been used in more advanced positions by Emery in recent weeks.
When asked if the club will make midfield additions this summer, Hutton told Villa News: “I think Emery will.
“If you look at the numbers now, even if he continues to play the same formation, there’s Kamara out, McGinn and Douglas Luiz.
“After that, you’re thinking, ‘what’s next, who’s next in line?’.
“It’s a big summer for Aston Villa and for Emery because he will want to bring in some players.
“I know he’s brought in a couple but he’ll really want to put his stamp on that squad going forwards.
“If you’ve got aspirations to play in Europe, you need to bring in quality.”
McKennie scored twice for USA in a 7-1 Concacaf Nations League win over Grenada on 24 March.
The Texas-born box-to-box midfielder has played nine times since joining Leeds in the January window.
In other Aston Villa news, the club has been tipped to make a “crazy” behind-the-scenes offer to this Villa player.