Villa News Speaking to Alan Hutton

Wed 24 May 2023 18:40, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…

Alan Hutton would like to see Aston Villa pluck some of the best players from teams who are relegated from the Premier League this season.

Southampton’s drop to the Championship has already been confirmed and James Ward-Prowse has been linked with a move to Villa Park this year.

According to Football Insider on 19 February, Villa are keen on signing the 28-year-old England midfielder.

Southampton are set to be joined in the 2023/24 Championship with two of Leeds United, Leicester City or Everton.

Hutton believes there’s quality across those teams, who could be forced to sell top players in cut-price deals.

Speaking to Villa News about players like Ward-Prowse, Harvey Barnes and James Maddison, Hutton told Villa News: “You would take any of those players now.

“Having been in a team that’s been relegated, everybody’s desperate to leave because they feel they should be playing in the Premier League. But, ultimately, you went down.

“Teams do pick off top talents, it happens and it’s inevitable.

“Ward-Prowse, Barnes and Maddison will look to go elsewhere but the problem is, there’ll be a lot of teams hovering. Newcastle will be there and there’ll be a lot of teams in the same bracket as Villa will be looking to pick off players for decent deals.

“The transfer fees won’t be as high. Obviously, the likes of Maddison would still demand a big fee but you might be able to get another player who’s being relegated for slightly cheaper.

“A lot of teams will be in the hunt to sign those guys.”

Ward-Prowse has played 44 times in all competitions for Southampton this season, scoring 10 goals and supplying five assists in the process.

In other Aston Villa news, the club has been told to sign a new striker amid Ollie Watkins’ ongoing situation at Villa Park.