Aston Villa to favour Jhon Duran amid ‘brilliant’ Ivan Toney transfer development
Dan Bardell believes Aston Villa will keep Jhon Duran rather than signing Ivan Toney from Brentford.
The Villans are reportedly interested in the England international from the Bees ahead of the summer transfer window deadline.
That is according to Andy Gray who said “Aston Villa and Unai Emery were seriously thinking about enquiring about him”, live on BEIN Sports on 18 August.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell doesn’t think Toney would move to Villa Park to be deputy to Ollie Watkins.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “It would be brilliant to have Ivan Toney as second choice option to Ollie Watkins.
“Unfortunately, Toney isn’t going to move to be a second-choice option anywhere I wouldn’t think. I can’t see there being a possibility that Villa sign another striker at that level.
“Villa are looking to keep Jhon Duran now, he’s been given the number nine shirt.
“If Villa want another forward it is going to be someone who can play out wide and as a striker or as a number ten and a striker.“
Aston Villa could move for Ivan Toney
The Villans have shown an interest in bringing a forward to B6 throughout the window but haven’t had any luck so far.
Their main transfer target appeared to be Joao Felix but after that move slowed down, the Portugal international completed a move to Chelsea instead.
Toney would obviously be a different profile of signing for Emery to make but there is no doubt that he would give the squad a new dimension.
The Englishman has the ability to play as a target man or get in behind when needed but where he thrives is linking up play which could see him suit the tactical approach at Villa Park.
It is unclear whether a move to the Midlands would appeal to the 28-year-old but there is no doubt that a deal would be well received by fans if it went through.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery to make a enforced change in our predicted XI v Arsenal.
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.