Aston Villa face competition from Leicester and Leeds United for ‘Premier League ready’ defender
Leeds are set to battle with five Premier League clubs, as well as one well-established Serie A side, for the signature of Sunderland star Trai Hume
Leeds United are set to stave off heavy interest in transfer target Trai Hume, with Premier League and continental interest in the Northern Irishman.
Right back is a position the Whites are keen to reinforce following Connor Roberts returning to Burnley and with Luke Ayling having followed him out the exit door. Holding off any competition for Archie Gray is paramount if Leeds are to go one better than this season’s ill-fated promotion push.
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Daniel Farke may have to look further than the Sunderland full-back however, with competition rife for the 22-year-old who has stated he believes he could play in the Premier League amidst interest from Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Leicester City, as well as Napoli on the continent.
Hume was a mainstay of the Black Cats’ defensive lineup last season with 46 appearances in the league, registering the most tackles in the Championship in the process, with the Premier League now the goal for the Northern Irish international.
“I think I could play in the Premier League,” Hume told the Belfast Telegraph. “You have to keep yourself at a high standard and you want to push yourself as much as you can.
“That’s the level I want to get to but I’m happy enough at Sunderland and happy where I’m at and I’m really enjoying my football. If a move happens, it happens and if doesn’t I’m happy to play for Sunderland.”
“I try not to think about [transfer speculation]. I let my agent deal with all that stuff and until they come to Sunderland and offer money I don’t pay too much attention to it.”
Reports have suggested that the Villans have opened preliminary talks to bring the former Arsenal midfielder to Villa Park during the summer transfer window as Emery looks to ready his squad for next season [Football Insider, 12 June].
Villa are set to suffer a major setback early in the window, with reports suggesting Douglas Luiz is closing in on a move to Juventus that will see Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling-Junior head the other way [Fabrizio Romano, 11 June].
Although Hutton doesn’t believe Guendouzi has the ability to immediately step into the Brazilian’s shoes, he does admit that he could help Emery’s side as they look to navigate their way through the Champions League next season.
