Aston Villa plot Victor Nelsson swoop

Aston Villa could be looking to bolster their defensive options with a move for Victor Nelsson, according to a fresh transfer report.

What’s the word?

Turkish outlet Tümspor have reported that the Galatasaray defender is wanted by Villa in the summer transfer window.

The Danish star won’t come cheap, though, with his release clause set at €25m (£21m) by Galatasaray, so Steven Gerrard may need to push the boat out to secure his signature.

His performances appear to have caught the eye of fellow countryman and Villa sporting director Johan Lange.

Gerrard could shore up Villa’s defence with a move for Nelsson

Gerrard has had a mixed beginning to life in the Midlands. A positive start was followed by a testing Christmas and New Year period, and despite stamping some form of authority on his squad in January with the signings of Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho, defensively they have been poor.

Should Villa sign Victor Nelsson?

Villa haven’t won in their previous five matches, with a centre back partnership of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa conceding seven goals over four of those games.

Nelsson, who was described as a “Danish Lion”, could well be the new Martin Laursen if he decides to make the move to England.

Laursen made 91 appearances for Villa and Nelsson is in a similar mould to him in being a no-nonsense centre back who could shore up the backline straight away. The 23-year-old has won 3.5 headers per game, more than any player at Villa Park this term, marking him out as a colossus in the air who would be an upgrade on what the Midlands club already have.

If Gerrard aims to take the club into European competition in the near future, then he will need to bolster the heart of the Villa defence.

Strengthening at the back will enable the former England captain to build the rest of the team from there, and with his first summer transfer window approaching, no mistakes can be afforded. Nelsson appears to be a player that Villa need, given his defensive credentials.

AND in other news, “Gerrard really keen..“: Preece drops exciting Villa transfer claim, Lange must pounce