Aston Villa have been handed a fresh warning over Ezri Konsa after former Premier League manager Alan Pardew urged Manchester United to move for the £60million-rated defender.
Konsa has already been the subject of serious interest from Arsenal this summer, with Villa rejecting a verbal proposal worth around £35m and valuing the England international at between £60m and £65m.
Arsenal have since opened talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah after failing to reach Villa’s valuation.
Now another Premier League rival has been encouraged to enter the conversation.
Man Utd told to move for Ezri Konsa
Speaking to talkSPORT, Pardew identified Konsa as the defender Manchester United should target as they look to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad.
He believes the Villa centre-back would provide the experience United currently lack and compared aspects of his game with former Old Trafford captain Steve Bruce.
There is an important distinction.
There is currently no report that Manchester United have approached Villa or Konsa. Pardew is recommending the transfer rather than revealing negotiations.
Even so, the comments put another spotlight on a situation Villa have yet to completely resolve.
ReadAstonVilla reported last month that Konsa has not yet signed the new contract offered by Villa. His current deal runs until 2028, leaving the club in a strong negotiating position but with a decision eventually required over his longer-term future.
Villa cannot afford another Man Utd blow
The Manchester United suggestion carries an extra Villa consequence.
United have already taken Youri Tielemans from Villa Park this summer for £35m, removing one of Unai Emery’s most important midfielders before another Champions League campaign.
Allowing Konsa to follow him would weaken another key area of Emery’s starting XI.
Villa have therefore shown little appetite to compromise on their valuation.
Their previous reaction to Arsenal’s approach was particularly firm, with the clubs remaining some distance apart financially.
Arsenal’s interest has not completely disappeared, although Quansah has emerged as an alternative and Leverkusen are themselves reluctant to sell.
For now, Manchester United are not part of the race.
Pardew clearly believes they should be.
Villa will hope the suggestion remains exactly that.
