Aston Villa prepared to 'offer starting spot' in transfer race with European giants for PSG defender
Aston Villa are reportedly in the running to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Škriniar who is set to be made available for transfer in the upcoming January window.
Škriniar has fallen out of favour in the French capital and has only appeared five times all season, all five games coming in Ligue 1. Colleagues such as Willian Pacho, Lucas Beraldo and experienced captain Marquinhos have all been favoured over the Slovak.
After making a name for himself at Italian giants Inter Milan, the 29-year-old moved to PSG for free in the summer of 2023 upon the expiry of his contract with Inter, becoming the first ever Slovakian player to play for the French giants.
READ MORE: What happened inside tunnel at Newcastle United as tempers flared during Aston Villa defeat
READ MORE: Arsenal join transfer race for Matheus Cunha with four Premier League teams eyeing Wolves deal
There is much interest in Škriniar as we enter the winter transfer window, with Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United leading the way with Arsenal and Villa also in pursuit, according to CaughtOffside. Other European club also hold an interest, with teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid attentive as well as Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr.
Most recently, Turkish club Galatasaray have pursued a loan deal for the former Sampdoria defender (via FootBoom).
Škriniar has been given a €35 million price tag ahead of the transfer window, however it is believed that PSG could start talks from as little as €25 million considering whatever money they make from the centre back would be profit.
The four-time Slovak Footballer of the Year award winner would be a catch if Villa were to secure his services. In need of a right-sided defender, boss Unai Emery could make good use of the former Serie A and Ligue 1 champion, utilising either Matty Cash or Ezri Konsa at right back if Škriniar was to play and, according to CaughtOffside, the West Midlands club are prepared to offer him a starting spot. However, Emery and Monchi may opt to prioritise the signing of a right back considering Cash is the only senior out-and-out right-sided full back.
The six foot two centre half is a strong tackler with great positional awareness, these attributes shining throughout his career.
READ MORE: 'He can become very big' - Liverpool verdict delivered on Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran
