Aston Villa are prioritising a defender in the final stages of the transfer window as Unai Emery aims to complete his transfer puzzle.
Lutsharel Geertruida is the key transfer on Aston Villa’s radar. The Villans were first linked with the 24-year-old a few weeks back but they’ve only stepped up their interest in recent days.
The hamstring injury Matty Cash suffered, coupled with time running out to get business done, has seen Villa push to sign Geertruida before the deadline.
A deal for the Dutchman isn’t going to be easy, though, with it emerging that Aston Villa must offload or loan out three players to stump up the funds to meet the £30 million asking price.
It means that a move for Geertruida is hanging in the balance at this current stage but luckily, he isn’t the only defender on the club’s radar ahead of the deadline.
- READ MORE: Who is Lutsharel Geertruida? ‘Heroic’ Dutch international who has piqued Aston Villa’s interest
Fabrizio Romano shares update on Aston Villa target Trevoh Chalobah
When it emerged that Emery was looking for a centre-back to rival the likes of Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres, Trevoh Chalobah was one of the players Aston Villa shortlisted.
The 25-year-old is surplus to requirements at Chelsea and looks increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge before the deadline, with Villa still holding an interest in Chalobah.
A product of the Blues academy, who can play in the middle, on the right side of defence or in midfield, Chalobah is valued at £25 million and Villa weren’t the only club wanting to sign him.
Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart emerged as a potential suitor for the defender but talks have since broken down and the German side are no longer seen as a possible destination for him, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer expert instead thinks Chalobah is exploring his options and one of those should see him remain in the Premier League with Aston Villa.
Travoh Chalobah is the perfect alternative to Geertruida
At this current stage of the transfer window when clubs are desperate to engineer deals, anything can happen and Villa must be prepared.
Geertuida is, of course, the number one target on their shortlist and it is hoped a deal can be wrapped up before Friday’s deadline.
A transfer for the Dutchman has been made increasingly difficult as Villa need to create space in their squad with sales and raise funds to afford him.
Chalobah, who comes in at a slightly cheaper price than Geertruida, could be the perfect alternative if things go wrong.
Whilst Feyenoord are keen on keeping their defensive jewel, the Blues are desperate to offload their academy graduate, making a deal potentially easier to navigate.
Chalobah has made 80 appearances for Chelsea and much like Geertruida, offers exceptional versatility across the back line and would therefore be a great signing.
