Alan Pardew says Manchester United should explore a possible transfer move for Aston Villa and England star Ezri Konsa this summer.
Konsa has established himself as one of the most dependable central defenders in English football since joining Villa from Brentford back in 2019.
In that time, the 28-year-old centre-back has racked up 286 appearances in all competitions for the Villains while helping the club win the Europa League last season – their first major trophy in 30 years.
But speculation has been mounting that Konsa could be coaxed away from Villa Park before the transfer deadline on September 1, with Premier League champions Arsenal known to be admirers.
Get the latest transfer news every morning
Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won’t be around next season.
Konsa is said to be ‘open’ to the prospect of a move to the Emirates as the Gunners scour the market for reinforcements at centre-half in preparation for their title defence.
Arsenal saw an initial offer of £30million rejected for Konsa, though, with Villa standing firm on their £60m valuation of the England international. It remains to be seen if the Gunners will return with a follow-up bid while they have the chance over the next fortnight.
However, former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager Pardew believes Konsa could be the perfect fit for what Michael Carrick needs at Old Trafford, even likening the defender’s goal-threat to that of United legend Steve Bruce.
‘Konsa has been mentioned with a couple of clubs. What a signing he would be for Manchester United,’ he said on talkSPORT.
‘A centre-back who can pass, who’s dominant in the air, gets you a goal from a set piece, just like Steve Bruce.’
United had been tentatively linked with Cristian Romero in their search for a central defender this summer.
But Tottenham would go on to agree a £34million deal with Atletico Madridfor the Argentina international – and Pardew believes it could prove a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils.
‘If I were Michael Carrick, I would stay well away from it [a player like Romero],’ Pardew added.
‘That’s why big Premier League clubs left him alone. He’s a volatile character who brings problems to your dressing room.
‘You look at external things as a manager. When you are bringing in a big player, who’s a World Cup winner, into your team, you have to understand what that player is about.
‘Well he’s a volatile and an aggressive player who demands very great things, so you have to manage him very carefully.’
According to Pardew, there’s a chance Romero’s questionable character and ill discipline may have counted against him when United were weighing up potential targets at centre-half.
‘If you have a dressing room that might not be so welcoming to a player like that, then you are not going to bring him,’ he went on.
‘That’s from the ill discipline he can show in games at times, that’s not just to the opposition by the way.
‘I’ve seen him give the odd snarl or look to his fellow team-mates. Those players never go down well.’
Konsa – who made eight appearances for England at this summer’s World Cup – has two years remaining on his current contract at Villa Park.
Unai Emery has told Villa’s hierarchy to do everything in their power to keep hold of the former Charlton and Brentford man.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.