Aston Villa

Villa eye Penney deal

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Image for Villa eye Penney deal

Aston Villa are set to battle with Premier League duo Bournemouth and Brighton for the signing of Sheffield Wednesday rising star Matt Penney, according to Football Insider.

The reliable site claim Villa are keen to sign the 20-year-old left-sided flyer after being impressed by the impact he has made for the Wednesday first team this season.

Football Insider report Wednesday have moved to stave off interest in Penney by opening talks over a new deal, with his current contract set to expire next year.

Good move for Villa?

Yes. Penney is a rising star with the potential to be an established one. He is far more than just a left-sided defender. The youngster has been used further up the field this season on the left winger and also on the left of a three-man attack. Major clubs are starting to sit up and take notice of a player who has started eight of Wednesday’s last nine Championship fixtures in what has been a meteoric and unexpected rise. Should Penney reject an extension, he could also be very cheap, with clubs able to sign him as a free agent from next June. Wednesday would be due to a compensation fee, but it would be unlikely to break the bank for Villa.

This Is Futbol rating 7/10

Likely to happen?

Villa are certainly in the race, although it is a little early to state anything is close. Much will depend upon whether Wednesday can keep hold of their academy product. What will it take to keep him? More money? A long-term plan for his development? The calibre of the interested clubs suggests Villa have their work cut out trying to keep him.

This Is Futbol rating 5/10

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