Aston Villa manager responds to Liverpool interest in star

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 19 May 2021 14:39 BST
• 1 min read

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith says that defender Ezri Konsa will not be distracted by any transfer interest from Liverpool.

The 23-year-old Konsa has established himself as an important player at Villa Park this season, starting 20 games at the heart of the defence alongside Tyrone Mings.

His performances have led to interest from Liverpool, who have been decimated by injuries to key players in defence this season.

“Everybody can see that we’re having a good season so far. And when teams have good seasons players get linked with everybody,” Dean Smith told The Athletic.

“He’s one of our players who has been consistent this season. It’s his first proper Premier League season, he’s cut out mistakes, he’s been a consistent performer for us. He’s now playing to a level where I know he can.

“But there’s also certainly room for improvement in him. He’s aware of that and is enjoying himself at the moment, so he certainly won’t be distracted by any links.”

Konsa started again on Sunday against Leicester City, although Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.