Alan Pardew has urged Manchester United to consider a summer move for Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa, who is valued at £60 million by his club. Arsenal have already seen an initial £30 million bid rejected for the 28-year-old centre-back.
Konsa's Rise at Aston Villa
Konsa has become one of the most reliable central defenders in English football since joining Villa from Brentford in 2019. He has made 286 appearances in all competitions for the Villans, helping them win the Europa League last season – their first major trophy in 30 years.
Speculation has been mounting that Konsa could be tempted away from Villa Park before the transfer deadline on September 1, with Premier League champions Arsenal known to be admirers. The Gunners are scouring the market for centre-half reinforcements as they prepare for their title defence, and Konsa is said to be 'open' to a move to the Emirates.
Pardew's Verdict on Konsa and Romero
Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Pardew believes Konsa would be an ideal fit for Michael Carrick's side at Old Trafford, even likening his goal threat to that of United legend Steve Bruce. 'Konsa has been mentioned with a couple of clubs. What a signing he would be for Manchester United,' he said on talkSPORT. 'A centre-back who can pass, who's dominant in the air, gets you a goal from a set piece, just like Steve Bruce.'
United had been tentatively linked with Tottenham's Cristian Romero in their search for a central defender this summer. However, Spurs agreed a £34 million deal with Atletico Madrid for the Argentina international, and Pardew believes this could be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils. 'If I were Michael Carrick, I would stay well away from it [a player like Romero],' Pardew added. 'That's why big Premier League clubs left him alone. He's a volatile character who brings problems to your dressing room.'
Romero's Character Concerns
Pardew elaborated on Romero's potential dressing-room issues, suggesting his questionable character and ill discipline may have counted against him when United were weighing up targets. 'You look at external things as a manager. When you are bringing in a big player, who's a World Cup winner, into your team, you have to understand what that player is about. Well he's a volatile and an aggressive player who demands very great things, so you have to manage him very carefully.'
He added: 'If you have a dressing room that might not be so welcoming to a player like that, then you are not going to bring him. That's from the ill discipline he can show in games at times, that's not just to the opposition by the way. I've seen him give the odd snarl or look to his fellow team-mates. Those players never go down well.'
Konsa's Contract and Villa's Stance
Konsa, who made eight appearances for England at this summer's World Cup, has two years remaining on his current contract at Villa Park. Villa manager Unai Emery has instructed the club's hierarchy to do everything in their power to retain the former Charlton and Brentford man. With Arsenal yet to return with a follow-up bid, United could still enter the race for the England international before the transfer window closes.
