Aston Villa in race against time to sell Bertrand Traore then sign Pedro Goncalves before transfer deadline
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 has shared what he has heard about a late-minute Aston Villa move for Pedro Goncalves, admitting players will likely have to leave Villa Park for the Portuguese international to be signed.
Goncalves has been repeatedly linked with a move to Villa Park over the last few seasons, with new reports suggesting that Unai Emery’s side remain interested in the Portuguese winger with Monchi and his recruitment team considering a late move [O Jogo].
However, funds remain tight at Aston Villa currently and Emery has admitted that he may well have to trim down his squad this month, with both Bertrand Traore and Calum Chambers reportedly told that they can leave during the January window [Jacob Tanswell, 12 January].
Hutton admits that he has heard the winger’s name mentioned around Villa Park for a long time now, but believes that Emery’s side will have to sell Traore before January’s transfer deadline to have any hope of signing the 25-year-old.
“It’s one that I’ve heard about for a long time now,” Hutton told Villa News.
“They’re obviously interested in him and it’s not going away. I think if you can get someone out like Bertrand Traore whose future’s not at Aston Villa and bring in a target that you have been looking at for a while, that suits the club.
“Again, it comes down to Traore. Can you get him out in time? There are a lot of factors within it but I’ve always said that you have to strengthen in January to kick on, especially in the position that they’re in in the league so we’ll have to wait and see.”
In 19 league appearances in Portugal this season, Goncalves has managed to score seven goals and lay on a further seven assists for his teammates to help Sporting sit top of Liga Portugal after the opening 19 games of the campaign.
Traore has been little more than a bit part player at Villa Park this season, only playing 10 minutes of Premier League football and remaining rooted to the bench in the group stages of the Europa Conference League.
It remains to be seen whether there will be any more movement in or out of Villa Park before Thursday (1 February) night’s transfer deadline, but it seems unlikely Emery’s side will be able to get this deal over the line.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has addressed Rogers’ links with West Brom as he nears a January switch to Villa Park
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.