Fenerbahce's Enner Valencia in action with Dynamo Kyiv's Ilya Zabarnyi
Aston Villa are readying a move for Dynamo Kyiv defender Ilya Zabarnyi, according to The Sun.
The Lowdown: Zabarnyi profiled
The 20-year-old is an out-and-out centre-back who has progressed through his club’s academy. The Ukraine international has 24 caps for his country and has lined out on 84 occasions at first-team level for Dynamo Kyiv, impressive achievements at such a tender age.
He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €15m (£13.2m) Transfermarkt valuation, and it seems as if Villa are keen on his services.
The Latest: Villa interested in Zabarnyi
The Sun’s Dan King shared a Villa transfer update regarding Zabarnyi on Saturday (16:14). He said that Villa are ‘ready to move for the £13m-rated star’ before Tuesday’s deadline, with Unai Emery keen to revamp his defence.
Zabarnyi is viewed as a player with great potential and is also on the radar of Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
The Verdict: Future star?
Zabarnyi already has plenty of experience for club and country at the age of 20, so he could be a shrewd potential signing by Villa if they manage to get it over the line.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has said that the defender ‘could be an amazing signing for many strong clubs from Europe’s top 5 leagues’, so in the long run, it may be a real coup if NSWE get their man.
Emery is yet to make a centre-back signing since arriving in the Midlands in the autumn, with Villa’s youngest central defender currently Ezri Konsa at the age of 25.
It looks as if this could be one to watch as Emery continues to put his stamp on proceedings, with Villa also potentially looking for another attacker and a midfielder in the coming days.
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