Aston Villa boss Dean Smith laughs at speculation surrounding Liverpool target Konsa

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith says he and young star Ezri Konsa will have a laugh together at the amount of speculation regarding his future at the club.

Liverpool are in the middle of a personnel crisis in defence this season, and had identified Konsa as a potential signing in the January transfer window before eventually bringing in Ben Davies on the cheap from Preston and Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke with the option to buy.

Tottenham, too, have been credited with an interest in the talented 23-year-old.

When asked recently about the interest in his player, Smith shrugged off the question with a laugh.

“I will joke with him about it,” he said.

“He’s excelling in his position; he’s been one of our best players this season, very consistent and reliable.”

Aston Villa currently have the joint-second best defensive record in the league, having conceded just 24 goals in 22 games, with only Man City enjoying a better record at the back.

Enzri Konsa in 2020/21

Konsa has undoubtedly played a major part in this as he has started 19 out of the potential 22 games so far in the Premier League, combining alongside the likes of Tyrone MIngs and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to create a formidable barrier at the back.

Former Aston Villa favourite Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Konsa to keep up the good work, and praised Smith for signing him from Brentford in the first place.

“He’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing. Keep clean sheets, it’s all about stats nowadays so keep the clean sheets coming,” he told Football Insider.

“I’ve heard that he’s a good lad, he’s very confident in his ability. Great signing from Dean Smith. Every signing’s been perfect. He came from Brentford, didn’t cost a huge amount of money and now he’s probably worth five times that amount.”