---
title: "Villa join chase for 20-year-old defender"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2016/12/01/villa-join-chase-20-year-old-defender/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Aston Villa Transfer News"
published: "2016-12-01T13:06:07Z"
modified: "2016-12-01T13:06:07Z"
---

# Villa join chase for 20-year-old defender

Aston Villa are one of the sides interested in signing Plymouth Argyle defender Ben Purrington, according to a report from Simon Jones of the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3985108/Latest-transfer-news-LIVE-Arsenal-Chelsea-Manchester-United-Liverpool-FC-updates.html).

The left-back, who is also comfortable playing in a holding midfield role, is also a target for Sheffield Wednesday and has been linked with moves to both Crystal Palace and Stoke City in the past.

![Tony Marshall/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2016/12/460048882.jpg)

His contract with Plymouth expires at the end of the season and as such, there is talk that they might let him go in January to ensure they get a decent fee for him, rather than one set by a tribunal if he leaves when his deal expires.

Villa have been linked with a few left backs over the past few weeks so it looks like they are in the market to bring one in and Purrington could provide a cheaper option which might appeal to the powers-that-be who invested a lot in transfers this summer.