Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield has claimed that Donny van de Beek would be a 'brilliant' signing for Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: United struggles

After bursting onto the scene in the Netherlands with Ajax, the 24-year-old's time at Manchester United so far has been rather unspectacular, starting only four Premier League games last season after making the move from Amsterdam.

The midfielder has appeared for the Red Devils 39 times, scoring only once after arriving in England with 41 goals for Ajax to his name.

His dull debut season at Old Trafford has been followed up with only one appearance each in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup this term, getting just six minutes of league football so far in 2021/22.

The Latest: Hatfield urges Villa swoop for Van de Beek

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield has claimed that signing Van de Beek may be on the cards for Villa, who had pursued other creative midfielders such as James Ward-Prowse and Emile Smith Rowe over the summer.

The journalist said: "He'd be fantastic for Villa, he'd be a brilliant signing. But I'm not too sure whether the wages would work out.

"He'll be on big money at United - although I'm not saying Villa won't pay big wages because they are willing to hand out wages to the right players."

The Verdict: Van de Beek could be what Villa need

The £120k-per-week Manchester United midfielder is currently enduring a tough spell in his career, and after a move to Everton failed to materialise in the summer, his time spent sitting on the substitutes' bench looks set to continue despite the inconsistency of Fred and Scott McTominay.

With Villa using a midfield three and Jacob Ramsey the most creative of those, bringing in a player like Van de Beek would add more creativity to Smith's team and could be exactly what they are seeking after missing out on Ward-Prowse and Smith Rowe.

His wages could be an issue, as Hatfield pointed out, but if Van de Beek continues to be overlooked at Old Trafford, that could see a decrease in his wage demands if the right offer is made from someone like Villa.

In other news, fans have been reacting to the plans of the Premier League clubs following this emerging update. Find out more here.