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Aston Villa and Liverpool scouting 'remarkable' €20m teen defender

Nathan Zeze (up) heads the ball during the French Cup round of 32 football match between FC Nantes and Stade Lavallois FC at La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes, western France, on January 20, 2024.
-Credit: (Image: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)


Aston Villa have scouted teenage Nantes defender Nathan Zeze according to reports.

Website TBR Football claims Villa are one of several clubs who are tracking the 19-year-old, a long list that includes the likes of Chelsea, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and even Liverpool as they ponder their succession planning for Virgil van Dijk.

They say the Reds and the Blues have watched him live in recent weeks and that Villa have also scouted the 6ft 3ins centre back since August.

Zeze has started six of Nantes’ eight Ligue 1 matches this season – and 20 in all. The left-footed defender has also played for France Under-18s.

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While Liverpool are looking at their options at the heart of their back four, Villa will be assessing the recovery of Tyrone Mings who is on the brink of a comeback after more than a season out with a knee injury.

Villa also have Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos as options in defence – but in the summer there was speculation in the summer over the Brazilian’s future.

Ouest France say the teenager has had a ‘remarkable’ start to the season and that Nantes are expected to want €20million for the youngster.

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