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Southampton have recently joined the race to sign Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. But should Villa focus on acquiring the defender too?
What’s the word?
As reported by the Sunday Mirror (17/03, page 72), via HITC, Southampton are interested in Mings, who could make the move to the Saints in the summer once his loan deal with Villa expires.
Dean Smith signed the centre-back on loan from Bournemouth in January and the 26-year-old has been an instant hit at Villa Park. However, he’s attracting interest from elsewhere which could be troublesome for the Midlands club if they remain in the Championship next season.
However, there is a unique clause in Mings’ loan deal from the Cherries which means Villa can match any bid offered by another club in the summer. As a result, they will be hoping they’ll be able to compete with the likes of Southampton who are sniffing around the versatile defender.
Preparation for Premier League life?
The loanee has played a crucial role in Villa’s season since arriving at the club with Smith’s men flying high in the play-off places. If they get promoted then a move for the Bath-born player must become imperative.
No other central defender at the club this season has made as many interceptions or tackles per game as Mings. His reading of the game is superb and considering he has Premier League experience, his addition to a newly promoted side, should they go up, would be significant.
The Villans have shipped 54 goals this season, that’s more than anyone else in the top ten and rivals some of the division’s strugglers. But since Mings has arrived, he’s stabilised things by helping the club keep four clean sheets in the nine games he’s featured in.
His efforts have been crucial and the way he’s fitted into the Villa side with relative ease means he should be their main summer target to assure defensive stability. In Mings, the club has a ready-made Premier League talent – they simply must win the race to obtain his services on a permanent basis.