Southampton on alert as Aston Villa put defender up for sale in shock twist
Aston Villa have a busy transfer window ahead of them, with several players expected to move on.
Aston Villa‘s main focus for now will be on securing Champions League football for next season, but figures behind the scenes will already have one eye on the decisions to be made in the summer.
Several players have already been linked with a move to Villa Park, though in order to facilitate those incomings, a whole host of players may have to depart.
With that in mind, the Villans have already given the green light for a defender to leave, and Southampton may be ready to make a move.
Aston Villa youngster to move on this summer
Villa have several youth players that they will need to decide where their future lies, and one of those will be Kaine Kesler-Hayden, who has impressed while on loan at Championship Preston.
The versatile defender has been a mainstay under Paul Heckingbottom, but will return to Villa Park in the summer, albeit for what may only be a brief period of time.
| Preston | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Kesler-Hayden | 44 | 2 | 3 |
According to BirminghamWorld, Villa are prepared to sanction his sale, with recently relegated Southampton keeping an eye on his situation.
His exit would come as a shock given the fact that many would have expected him to come back and have a role to play under Unai Emery.
Villa need to think smart this summer window
Emery will need to be backed with signings of quality this summer, though squad depth will be just as crucial, especially if they are successful in their pursuit of Champions League football.
Two games remain for the Villans, starting with a clash against Tottenham, and they will be fully aware of the need to win both of them.
Kesler-Hayden would be perfect for them to have as depth given his homegrown status and versatility, but if Southampton are prepared to offer a reasonable fee, then a sale may become more appealing.