Ezri Konsa: Aston Villa sign Brentford defender in 拢12m deal

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Konsa joins fellow centre-back Tyrone Mings in signing for Villa this summer
  • Author, Phil McNulty
  • Role, Chief football writer

Aston Villa have signed Brentford defender Ezri Konsa in a 拢12m deal.

The 21-year-old had been a key target for Villa boss Dean Smith, who managed the England Under-21 centre-back when he was in charge of the Bees.

Konsa played 47 times for Brentford after a 拢2.5m move from Charlton in 2018.

"He's a high-potential player who I believe can step up to the Premier League and I'm really looking forward to working with him again," said Smith.

Konsa will join up with the Villa squad on Thursday when they fly to the United States to continue their pre-season work.

Villa have prioritised strengthening their defence having also signed Tyrone Mings, 26, from Bournemouth while still exploring the possibility of re-signing Manchester United's Axel Tuanzebe, 21, on loan.

Tuanzebe helped Villa to promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Since promotion, Villa have signed Mings for 拢20m, defender Kortney Hause from Wolves, winger Anwar El Ghazi from Lille, left-back Matt Targett from Southampton, forward Wesley from Club Bruges and midfielder Jota from Birmingham.

Smith's side start their Premier League season away at Tottenham on 10 August.

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