da betcris： According to Football Insider sources Aston Villa are considering a swoop for Sheffield Wednesday left-back Matt Penney, with Premier League duo Brighton and Bournemouth also interested.
What’s the story?
da dobrowin： Wednesday academy product Penney has impressed on the left side of defence and attack since his breakthrough into the Owls’ starting XI after just a few games into the season. He has made nine appearances and played 726 of a possible 810 minutes, recording an assist too.
His performances have caught the eye of not only his current club but fellow Championship side Villa and top-flight teams Brighton and Bournemouth.
Amidst the interest from the aforementioned sides, the Wednesday hierarchy are keen to tie down the versatile defender and are looking to renegotiate the terms of his contract to keep him at the Hillsborough.
Why Villa want to spend on Penney
Dean Smith has quickly identified that Villa’s defence is in dire need of reinforcements; the West Midlands side have conceded eight goals in previous last four Championship games.
Due to injuries and suspensions, former boss Steve Bruce was forced to assemble makeshift backlines that couldn’t help leaking goals and he ultimately paid the price. After nine games without a win Bruce was sacked and thus paved the way for Smith to take up the mantle with John Terry at his side.
The Villans current first choice left-back is Neil Taylor, with the 33-year-old Alan Hutton also able to play there despite naturally being a right-back; Smith is smart to line up a young, hungry replacement in 20-year-old Penney.
His versatility and attitude would be welcome at Villa Park, where Smith and Terry are looking to build the side back up from the foundations and restore the Claret and Blue to former glory.