Aston Villa transfer news: Villans looking for "hybrid player" amid link with £22.5m star | OneFootball

The Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes Aston Villa want to sign a well-rounded midfielder, amid the club's reported links with Juventus' Weston McKennie.

failed to strengthen their central midfield department.

What is the latest news involving McKennie?

McKennie has had a strange season in Turin so far this term, starting four league matches, but also failing to feature in two of the games that he has been available for.

Having only joined the Serie A club in the summer, after an initial season-long loan last year, his future at Juventus already seems to be in doubt.

Villa have been linked with the 23-year-old in recent weeks, who is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt.

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What has Hatfield said about Villa's transfer priorities?

Hatfield has claimed that Villa's sporting director Johan Lange is keen on bringing in a "hybrid" player, who can cover a number of roles in their midfield, which could mean that he makes a move for McKennie in the future.

Speaking about Villa's transfer priorities, he told GIVEMESPORT: “They definitely need someone who can provide some defensive stability in the middle of the park, but I think they’re trying to find almost that kind of hybrid player. The one who can win the ball back and screen that back four, but then also progress the ball forward.”

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Would McKennie be a good signing for Villa?

If Villa are looking for a versatile midfielder, McKennie could be just the player that they need.

Across his relatively short career, he has already shown that he can play in a variety of positions, operating as a central midfielder, a holding midfielder, in the No. 10 role, and on either flank.

With Villa hoping to bring in someone who can complement the likes of John McGinn and Douglas Luiz, McKennie could fulfill this criteria.

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However, the Premier League side may have some reservations about trying to sign McKennie due to his recent off-field antics.

The 25-cap star was sent home from international duty last month in disgrace after breaching Covid-19 protocols by allowing someone into his hotel room.