Aston Villa

Villa plot Maupay swoop

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OPINION

Aston Villa know that this coming season could prove to be a defining one in the history of the club. 

After a historic and wholly devastating relegation three years ago, the path back to the top flight has perhaps been steeper and rockier than they initially anticipated.

Last year’s play-off final heartbreak was a sobering blow, but this year, under the guidance of boyhood fan Dean Smith, they have rocketed up the league and back to the promised land.

The tricky part is now staying there.

You would fancy the Villans to have a pretty good chance of reestablishing themselves as a top tier outfit, but realistically, the Premier League is a much harder division than it was the last time they were in it, just three seasons ago.

As such, recruitment will be crucial to their hopes of survival.

Finding the right players is one thing, but finding them at the right price is another entirely.

Because of that, some canny use of Smith’s extensive knowledge of the Championship won’t go amiss.

Earlier in the week, it was reported by the Sun that the manager was plotting a raid on his former side Brentford for striker Neal Maupay.

The Frenchman has been in irresistible form this season, hitting 28 goals in all competitions.

It is understood that Villa are willing to break their transfer record with a £20 million swoop for him, and honestly, it’s a no brainer.

Ordinarily, that kind of figure for a second tier player would be laughed out of town, but Maupay is special.

The 22-year-old has pace to burn, and his age mean that he is only likely to get better and better.

If Villa front up now, this could be a real coup.

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