The latest transfer news as Aston Villa prepare to sell an up-and-coming defender.
Aston Villa have decided to transfer list right-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden ahead of the summer window, Birmingham World understands.
Kesler-Hayden has enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at Championship aide Preston North End this season, winning the Lancashire club’s player of the season award for his efforts. Preston didn’t have the best campaign as they finished just one point above the relegation zone, but Kesler-Hayden was a bright spark.
The Villans have been impressed with Kesler-Hayden’s attitude and progression but believe he isn’t quite at the standard to make the step up into Unai Emery’s immediate plans. And with the need to sell fringe players to conform to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) without having a huge impact on the squad, someone like Kesler-Hayden is dispensable.
Villa are a little light on the right side of defence and are seeking to address that in the upcoming window, but sales are needed before the PSR deadline on June 30. Under the rules, Premier League clubs cannot lose more than £105 million over a three-year period; Villa are currently at risk of a breach and could face a points deduction if they don’t act quickly.
It may not seem overly fair given teams in the so-called ‘big six’ such as Chelsea and Manchester United are able to spend so freely without reprimand, especially as Villa have sold over £150 million’s worth of players in the past 12 months, but it’s the reality.
As Kesler-Hayden is an academy product, his sale would act as pure profit and be a significant help in the battle against PSR. The same could be said for the more valuable Jacob Ramsey, but Emery is determined to keep hold of the left-sided midfielder as he has the potential to be a key player. It’s also a preference to sell those who are on the periphery of the squad.
Interest building in Aston Villa ace
It’s understood several Championship clubs have been keeping tabs on Kesler-Hayden during his loan spell at Preston and are weighing up making approaches. Villa believe Kesler-Hayden is perhaps ready for a bottom-end Premier League team, however, and are awaiting interest from clubs in that bracket.
Although the individual teams interested haven’t been named to Birmingham World, there are certain sides who would be logical destinations. The recently relegated Southampton, for instance, are expected to lose right-back Kyle Walker-Peters upon the expiry of his contract this summer and will be looking for a replacement.
West Bromwich Albion could be feasible suitors, too, as the Baggies are understood to be weighing up whether to sell right-back Darnell Furlong as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. Kesler-Hayden could make a fine replacement and the locality would make it an easy move for the 22-year-old.
It awaits to be seen just how high of a transfer fee Villa would demand, but Kesler-Hayden’s rise this season will certainly be taken into account. There’s a balance that needs to be found as Villa need sales quickly but are reluctant to let players leave for below their valuations.
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