Insider: Aston Villa 'certain' to sign 'phenomenal' loanee permanently
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Aston Villa will “almost certainly” sign Marco Asesnio permanently from PSG following his loan spell, according to the club’s former senior scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that his £15million price tag would represent a “bargain” fee.
The 29-year-old has already impressed Unai Emery in the opening stages of his spell at Villa Park and the boss has given the green-light for a permanent move.
Since joining from PSG during the mid-season transfer window, Asensio has scored seven goals in eight appearances, including crucial strikes in the Champions League and Premier League.
Questions had initially been asked about the forward’s availability and why PSG were so keen to let him go, but Brown explained Emery has now addressed those concerns.
The Spain international is also said to be happy at Villa Park and would be keen to continue his stay if the clubs can reach an agreement this summer.
Unai Emery gives Marco Asensio deal the green light
Brown told Football Insider in February that Villa already have plans to sign Asensio permanently and work is ongoing behind the scenes to reach an agreement.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period,
“I’m almost certain Aston Villa will sign Asensio permanently,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re talking about a fee of around £15million, that would be a bargain.
“There are reasons behind the scenes about why he’s at Villa in the first place and why PSG weren’t keen to keep him there for the rest of the season.
“But those are things Unai Emery will have assessed, and from what I’m told, he’s happy with him.
“He’s been phenomenal so far, brilliant, and he seems to enjoy playing there.
“So he’s happy, Emery is happy and the Villa fans are certainly happy with him, it’s been a real success story there with Asensio alongside Rashford.
“Everything has lined up for that move to be made permanent in the summer.“
Man United raise Rashford asking price after Aston Villa form
Alongside Asensio, Villa have also been impressed with the performances of Rashford since his loan move from Man United in the mid-season window.
His displays have led to his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, as the 27-year-old has earned plenty of recognition for his upturn in form.
Football Insider first revealed Rashford was in line for an England recall on 25 February amid concerns about Phil Foden and Jack Grealish which saw the latter miss out.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 17 March that Man United will raise Rashford’s asking price following his call-up as they look to make the most profit possible from his sale.
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