Aston Villa have done their transfer business early in the season, signing a couple of players before their pre-season matches. But it looks like their transfer business could continue.
The Championship playoff winners have now been linked with a move for Southampton defender Jack Stephens, as per Daily Mirror, cited by Birmingham Mail.
Villa confirmed the arrival of left-back Matt Targett from Southampton just a few days ago, and could raid the Saints once again.
Stephens has been with the Saints since 2011, having signed with them from Plymouth Argyle for a fee of £150,000.
The 25-year-old went on loan to a few Championship clubs before becoming a first-team player in 2017. His current contract at Southampton expires in 2022.
Villa have already signed Wolves centre-back Kortney Hause on a permanent deal, and the report suggests that they may be interested in bringing back Axel Tuanzebe and Tyrone Mings, who were both on loan at Villa last season.
Stephens played 29 times for Southampton in the 2018-19 season in all competitions.
The English defender has Premier League experience, having played over 50 games for Southampton in England’s top division, and could be a good squad player for Villa next season.
Stephens averaged 3.9 clearances per game in the 2018-19 Premier League season for Southampton and 1.5 interceptions, so he anticipates opposition attacks well and closes then down quickly.
The 25-year old is a calm and composed figure at the back, who is well organised and reads the game very well. The central defender is a versatile player who has played as a defensive midfielder as well as a right-back at Southampton.
Not one to dive into unnecessary tackles, Stephens is a player who rather capitalises on the opponent’s mistake to pounce and dispossess them of the ball.
Villa currently have just two first-team centre-backs in James Chester and Kortney Hause, and will need to add a few more central defenders before the start of the season.
Stephens could be a smart pick as he is just 25 years of age, and has good Premier League experience, which is a must-have for any team promoted to the Premier League.
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