Aston Villa find ideal Matty Cash competition in Fiorentina star Michael Kayode
Dan Bardell has urged Aston Villa to sign Michael Kayode from Fiorentina this summer to add competition to their squad for next season.
Alfredo Pedulla has reported (24 June) that the Villans have submitted an offer worth £15million for the defender.
A deal for the 19-year-old is yet to go through and Viola News have suggested (1 July) that Tottenham are also interested in the Italian.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes that he could suit Unai Emery’s system and provide needed competition.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I think he’s an interesting right-back because he’s got the pace and power to get forward.
“I think he could also play in the defensive build-up as a right centre-back. He has a similar profile to Ian Maatsen because he’s also a young player with room to grow and has already achieved a lot.
“It is clear that Villa want to do some business at right-back because they can’t just have one at the club like last season.
“I don’t think that means that Villa sell Matty Cash, but he needs competition and it will allow Ezri Konsa to play in his natural position.“
Aston Villa interested in Michael Kayode
The Villans have been in need of a right-back option for the last year with Matty Cash being the only senior option in the squad.
The Poland international came under fire at times last season which culminated in him missing out on the squad for the Euros.
Konsa often featured at right-back under Unai Emery in a move that allowed the Villans to have more stability building from the back.
There is no doubt that the Englishman would be better suited playing in the centre of defence, so signing a right-back makes sense.
Kayode could prove to be a perfect option for the Villans’ squad ahead of a busy season of Premier League and Champions League football.
The Italian is adept at charging forward but is also capable of dropping deeper when needed and taking advantage of his physicality and speed.
At just £15m, the 19-year-old could prove to be an ideal addition to the Villans’ squad as competition for Konsa and Cash, even with Kosta Nedeljkovic in place.
In other Aston Villa news, a summer swap deal has been mooted with Inter Milan and the Villans for Denzel Dumfries and Matty Cash
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