Man United and Aston Villa could take part in the story of the January transfer window.placeholder image
Man United and Aston Villa could take part in the story of the January transfer window. | Getty Images
Both United and Villa are expected to make transfer moves in the January window
The constant soap-opera which is Manchester United has taken another major turn in recent weeks, as Ruben Amorim has returned from a point of almost no return to secure three successive Premier League victories and propel the Red Devils right back up the table.
United are now in the top six, above rivals Liverpool, and the European race is looking very open so far this season. With Bournemouth and Sunderland in the top four and last season’s bottom-half stragglers United and Tottenham Hotspur challenging once again, the season could truly go in any direction at this moment in time. The fact this all seems to be playing right into the hands of Arsenal, is another matter.
United’s defensive frailties have not disappeared overnight, though - they conceded twice against Brighton last time out, and could have let in a few at Anfield on another day. With a top Premier League defender believed to be on the market, the Red Devils should take their opportunity to make a huge signing while they can.
Man United should target Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa
According to fresh reports by TBR Football, Man United are one of several clubs ‘keeping tabs’ on Aston Villa and England centre-back Ezri Konsa, who has become a key man for both club and country but may soon move on to pastures new.
Manchester City, Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been tracking Konsa according to the report, in addition to European giants Inter Milan, Napoli and RB Leipzig. But should United be able to keep up their current form, there is an argument to be made that if they present Konsa with the right offer, the Old Trafford outfit might be able to jump to the front of the queue.
The 28-year-old Konsa has made 205 top-flight appearances for Villa since signing from Brentford in 2019, and has earned 15 England caps since making his debut in 2024. Alongside Marc Guehi, he might well be part of Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice central-defensive pairing for the World Cup next summer.
Villa are not keen on selling Konsa, who is key to their solid unit under Unai Emery. But amidst continued PSR constraints impacting the club, a sale may not be off the table if he does not sign a new deal, with his current contract running until 2028. If United were to arrive with a sensational swap deal in January, it would give Villa a real decision to make.
Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo swap deal could be stunning answer
It would certainly raise a few eyebrows if United were to offer academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo in a swap deal for Konsa, but it might be a measure the club are required to take if they are to get their man.
Logically speaking, Mainoo has no future under Amorim. The 20-year-old will no doubt be forced to continue with a bit-part role off the bench, occasionally filling in for Bruno Fernandes due to injury or in cup ties. There will soon become a point where Mainoo must depart for the sake of his career, should United stay faithful to Amorim, which is looking increasingly likely as their form under him improves - and Villa Park might just be the perfect place for him to go.
While he would need to earn his way into the starting XI, Mainoo would undoubtedly relish the chance to play under Emery, who has a great track record for improving players. There are clear stylistic comparisons between the England man and Youri Tielemans, who is currently out injured and could conceivably see his role at the club taken by Mainoo in the long-term. With the likes of John McGinn and Ross Barkley ageing, too, the Villans are in need of some renewed youthful impetus in the midfield area.
A January move could also see Mainoo secure a World Cup spot, an idea which almost seems inconceivable at present. Considering the current market values of both players, we could potentially see a straight swap between Konsa and Mainoo here. Whether either club are open to securing such a stunning deal in the January window, remains to be seen.
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