Liverpool, Tottenham interested in Aston Villa defender enjoying rapid rise

Liverpool and Tottenham are monitoring Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to a report.

Konsa has been with Villa since 2019, when he followed the same route that manager Dean Smith had the year before by joining from Brentford.

The defender started 24 games in his first Premier League season. He has been more heavily involved this season.

Konsa has established himself as a regular in the Villa backline. He has started 19 of their 22 league games so far in 2020-21.

The 23-year-old has been an integral part of their rise to the top half of the table. Given how he is developing, he is now attracting interest from the big clubs.

David Ornstein writes for The Athletic that Liverpool and Spurs are interested in Konsa.

Liverpool were on the lookout for defensive reinforcements in January after injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

The champions eventually chose to sign Ben Davies from Preston before also taking Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke with an option to buy.

Liverpool stressed throughout the transfer window that they would only bring in options that were right for the long-term. If neither Davies nor Kabak prove themselves in the upcoming months, they may be on the lookout for another reinforcement.

Ezri Konza lauds John Terry as a huge influence

Ezri Konza lauds John Terry as a huge influence

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konza praises the influence of assistant head coach John Terry.

Tottenham are also considering their options in defence. Konsa was on their radar when they feared losing Toby Alderweireld while his £25m release clause was active in 2019.

Spurs managed to keep hold of Alderweireld, but with the Belgian now the wrong side of 30, are now looking to strengthen for the long-term.

Konsa could still be on the agenda as they look to bring in another body in the backline.

Villa are keen to keep hold of their man, though. They are now trying to extend his contract, which currently is due to expire in 2023.


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


Konsa could get England call-up

It is not just at club level where Konsa’s performances could be recognised. The report adds that Gareth Southgate is considering adding him to his England squad.

Konsa’s defensive partner at Villa, Tyrone Mings, has already been involved with England under Southgate. Now, Konsa could follow suit.

As well as England, Konsa is also eligible to play for Angola, DR Congo and Portugal. The latter are interested in drafting him into their setup.

Therefore, England may need to act quickly to secure his services if they see a role for him. Hence, Southgate could call him up for the next round of international fixtures, giving him a chance to impress before Euro 2020.

READ MORE: Solskjaer adds costly Villa star to Man Utd shortlist