Anthony Onifade

Tue 23 January 2024 17:40, UK

Napoli are closing in on a deal to sign Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker this month, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein shared (23 January) that an agreement is yet to be reached between the clubs or with Dendoncker, but Napoli are working to sign the Belgian until the end of the season.

Two players have already been told by the Aston Villa boss that they can leave this month, with Calum Chambers and Bertrand Traore being deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the second half of the campaign [Jacob Tanswell, 12 January].

And it now appears that Dendoncker could be set to follow with Fabrizio Romano adding that the Belgian has accepted Napoli’s proposal.

He wrote: “Napoli are closing in on loan deal to sign Leander Dendoncker from Aston Villa. It will include a buy option clause.

“Agreement being finalised between the two clubs — talks first called by David Ornstein.

“Dendoncker has also accepted Napoli proposal, waiting to travel.”

Wow

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri [15 November] reported earlier this season that the midfielder was no longer in Emery’s plans at Villa Park and was expected to find a solution during the January transfer window.

However, the 28-year-old recent performances have ensured that he won’t be going anywhere this month. Against Manchester United on Boxing Day, Dendoncker completed 89 per cent of 35 attempted passes and scored with his only attempt on goal [Fotmob].

The Aston Villa midfielder also showcased his excellent range of passing as well, finding a teammate with 75 per cent of his long-range efforts and even picking out one of the forward line, in the final third.

In the FA Cup third-round clash, he was once again excellent on the ball, finding a teammate in white with 92 per cent of 39 attempted passes, three of which were into the final third.

Off the ball, the Belgian was up to the challenge of the greater physicality that Championship opposition poses, winning 100 per cent of tackles and aerial duels, while also coming away with possession from two battles on the ground.

In Aston Villa’s last three matches, Dendoncker has played more minutes than he had done in the entirety of Villa’s Premier League campaign up until Boxing Day. He may not be the perfect midfielder, but he certainly has a part to play in this side from now until the end of the season.

Dendoncker proved a very capable understudy to Boubacar Kamara who faced a few games out through suspension and with the Villans facing a gruelling schedule when the Europa Conference League returns, they will certainly need plenty of their fringe stars including the Belgian.

However, it now looks as if Napoli are stealing a march on his services which leaves manager Unai Emery in a bit of a pickle with just days remaining in the transfer window. Do they seal a late January replacement? Judging by this development, they might have to.

In other Aston Villa news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Villa and Leonardo Spinazzola, with a Roma exit now expected.

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