Aston Villa eye a transfer for versatile English midfielder: A good replacement for Grealish?

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell, as Dean Smith looks to shape his squad before the new season commences.

The Villans have shown great ambition in the summer transfer window. After signing Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young, they’ve added winger Leon Bailey and striker Danny Ings from Bayer Leverkusen and Southampton respectively, as per BBC.

According to Sky Sports, Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell is a top target for Aston Villa and they want to sign him as a replacement for Jack Grealish. The 25-year old has officially joined Manchester City.

A product of the Norwich City academy, Todd Cantwell, 23, enjoyed his breakthrough campaign in 2018/19 and helped the club achieve promotion to the Premier League. In his debut Premier League campaign, the midfielder was one of the rare bright spots for the Canaries in an otherwise wretched campaign that ended with relegation.

The former England under-21 international, who played a crucial role behind Norwich’s promotion to the top-flight at the first time of asking, has entered the final year of his contract at Carrow Road. Norwich do have the option to extend his contract for a further year.

Todd Cantwell to Aston Villa: Is he a good fit for Dean Smith’s side?

Aston Villa are building an exciting side that could see them challenge for a place in the top six in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign. Given the direction in which the Lions are heading at the moment, it will not be a surprise if Dean Smith and co. lure Todd Cantwell to Villa Park.

Jack Grealish was Aston Villa’s best player since the club achieved promotion two summers ago. The England international’s departure has left a huge void in the Lions’ squad.

A player like Cantwell—with all due respect—isn’t at Grealish’s level, is but could give a different dimension to Villa’s playing style next term. The 23-year-old is a versatile midfielder who can play in various positions across the midfield and attack. The Englishman’s movement, flair and ability to test the ‘keeper from range will add more potency to the Aston Villa attack.

Also, Cantwell could potentially link up well with Villa’s new signings—Buendia, Ings and Bailey, whilst providing much-needed depth to Smith’s squad. At 23, he still is relatively young and could develop into a top player under Smith’s guidance.

If available at a reasonable price, Aston Villa should do what it takes to land Cantwell.