EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd consider reigniting transfer interest in Konsa

Steve Kay

• 4 Apr 2024 18:15 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United could make a move for Ezri Konsa, having monitored the Aston Villa defender last summer, FootballTransfers has been told.

United will look to strengthen their defence during the summer window and the club are expected to pursue younger, homegrown talents under the new transfer policy of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

FootballTransfers understands that United were alerted to Konsa’s frustration at his contractual situation at Villa Park last summer and had the England international on their transfer shortlist.

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However, Villa were reluctant to sell and opted to more than double the 26-year-old’s wages in order to keep him satisfied, with Konsa signing a new five-year contract in September.

United are still thought to be admirers of Konsa, although there is an acceptance that the player’s valuation would be significantly higher following his renewal.

Villa will hope to avoid any major sales this summer, particularly if Champions League qualification is secured, although Unai Emery’s side will have one eye on financial fair play limitations which could force their hand.

United eyeing summer squad overhaul

Konsa has been integral to Villa since joining the club for £12million in 2019, making 155 Premier League appearances and scoring six goals.

The defender’s form this season saw him called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in November, with his debut coming in last month’s friendly against Brazil.

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Equally capable at right-back and centre-back, Konsa’s versatility is believed to be a part of his appeal to United, who are expected to make wholesale changes to their squad in the summer.

However, United will only be able to make big-money acquisitions if they generate enough money through sales, with a priority likely to be on financially-beneficial deals rather than marquee signings for superstar names.

Offers will be considered for the majority of United’s high earners such as Casemiro and Raphael Varane, while the likes of Harry Maguire and Christian Eriksen are also available for the right price.