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Aston Villa transfer 'curveball' on the cards as undercover recruitment tactic speculated
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 suggests there’s a chance Aston Villa will take a look at Valencia’s players when they meet in a pre-season friendly at the Mestalla ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Villa confirmed on 19 June that they’ll be playing against the La Liga side in Spain on 5 August, one week before they’re due to play away at Newcastle United for their first league match.
Unai Emery has already exerted a Spanish influence on the club with Alex Moreno arriving from Real Betis in January and Monchi joining as technical director from Sevilla earlier this month.
Hutton believes Villa could have one eye on potential recruits at Valencia in August but he also feels there could be some unpredictable developments before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
“You don’t know how this has come about – it could literally be anything,” Hutton told Villa News.
“It’s another opportunity for Aston Villa to go back and look at a strong squad in Valencia.
“Whether Unai Emery’s looking at targets, who knows? Your guess is as good as mine but when you do have a Spanish manager, of course they’re going to know La Liga so they’re always going to be linked with players from there. Especially ones they’ve worked with before.
“The transfer window is always interesting. There are always some curveballs to be thrown up so we have to wait and see what comes out of it.”
In other Aston Villa news, big-name signings are now on the cards after a behind-the-scenes arrival at Villa Park.