The latest Premier League transfer news as Aston Villa, West Ham and Crystal Palace prepare to battle for a League One hotshot.
Aston Villa has reportedly joined Crystal Palace and West Ham United in the race to recruit Peterborough United wonderkid Ronnie Edwards. The centre defender, who is in his third season as a regular starter for the Posh, has recently piqued the interest of many Premier League clubs.
The 20-year-old has appeared in all 25 Sky Bet League One games for Peterborough this season, establishing himself as one of the most exciting possibilities in England’s third tier. Portsmouth may be leading the way at the top, but a recent slip in form has seen Peterborough climb into title-winning contention, focusing attention on Edwards even more.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Villa, West Ham, and Palace have expressed interest. According to The Independent, Palace is the most advanced in their interest, but they are still a long way off Peterborough’s £10 million estimate. This could present an opportunity for Unai Emery’s team to capitalise if they so wish.
How does Ronnie Edwards fit in at Villa Park?
Edwards may struggle to make an immediate impact if he signs for Villa, as Unai Emery already has a plethora of high-quality centre-backs at his disposal. Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet, and Tyrone Mings would most certainly be ahead of Edwards in the pecking order, leaving him with few opportunities to play.
That could be the idea, with any move possibly viewed as future-proof. A loan move to the Sky Bet Championship could be considered, followed by a re-evaluation of the defender’s current level. Villa may not be able to be as patient, since West Ham and Palace are both interested.
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