There has been a little bit of transfer news over the weekend. It seems as though Tottenham have pulled out of the race for Benteke as they are unwilling to make a £32.5 million bid. Adebayor is linked… yet again but wages are a stumbling block. Nothing that we haven’t heard yet.
Aston Villa are still reportedly interested in Dennis Praet who plays for Anderlecht. Praet is an attacking midfielder who is more of a provider than a scorer. Praet has only scored 23 goals in 132 games but his key stats are passing (88.2% accuracy). Praet is valued at £10 million and while it doesn’t seem as though Villa will make a move for the young Belgian, they are still monitoring Praet in case other transfer targets fail.
Youth player Mason Holgate has been linked with Aston Villa after the 18-year old right-back has rejected a new deal offered by Barnsley. Holgate is a very young and talented right-back who is highly rated by Barnsley. His current transfer value stands at £1 million and Sherwood might make a move. Holgate made 22 appearances for Barnsley last season.
The most interesting transfer rumour is probably Sergi Darder. Italian website Calcionews24 has stated that Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Malaga over the transfer of Darder who is a defensive midfielder. Apparently a fee of £7 million has been agreed for the 21-year old who actually scored against Aston Villa in the 2012 pre-season friendly, where Malaga ultimately lost 3-2 to Aston Villa. Darder is highly rated but I’m not sure if I should trust Calcionews24. Until English media start reporting the story than I will not believe this transfer rumour.