Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing 27-year-old Belgian international Jason Denayer on a free transfer to replace the injured Diego Carlos.
According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Jason Denayer has emerged on a shortlist of candidates drawn up by Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard to come in and replace the injury-stricken Diego Carlos.
Aston Villa’s €35 million summer signing, Diego Carlos, now looks unlikely to feature again during this calendar year and may not make a return until the business end of the season after suffering a serious Achilles tendon tear, which forced him off in the dying moments of Aston Villa’s win over Everton at the weekend.
With Kortney Hause also on the treatment table after being ruled out for up to six weeks following surgery on his right knee, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Calum Chambers are the only recognised centre-backs at Steven Gerrard’s disposal. Carlos’s long-term injury may prompt Aston Villa to dip into the transfer market again in what has become somewhat of a problem position for their manager.
As such, Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson has been linked with a move to Aston Villa thanks to his previous working relationship with Aston Villa sporting director, Johan Lange. However, Belgian international Jason Denayer has now emerged as a much cheaper and more experienced alternative.
The 27-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Lyon expired earlier this summer. He would offer good experience after playing in the Premier League with Sunderland as well as in the UEFA Champions League with Celtic, Galatasaray, and Lyon. Denayer flourished during his time in France, making close to 140 appearances for Les Gones.
However, he left the Ligue 1 outfit over a dispute over a new deal in July and is now looking for a new club. Given his age and proven pedigree, several top clubs across Europe are eyeing the possibility of snapping him up on a free transfer. Indeed, there has been interest from Sevilla as well, while fellow La Liga outfit Valencia are also keeping tabs on Denayer.
The 27-year-old was most recently offered to newly-promoted Premier League outfit Fulham. However, the Cottagers have since signed Issa Diop from West Ham United for £15 million. Now, Aston Villa have set their sights on a free transfer for Denayer as they look to find an emergency replacement for Carlos.
A mainstay in the Belgian national team, he has a wealth of top-level experience and is known to be a good passer of the ball, while his versatility means he can play at centre-back and right-back. Denayer likes to drive forward and play with the ball at his feet, helping his side build attacks with his ball-carrying ability and ball control, making him an attractive option for Aston Villa.
That said, the 27-year-old is not a light sound robust defender like Carlos and can be an aerial suspect despite standing at 6ft 2in. It remains to be seen whether Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard will sanction a free transfer move for a player of Denayer’s profile.
