Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sevilla defender Ludwig Augustinsson.
Steven Gerrard wasted no time in making additions after the end of the 2021-22 campaign, Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara being confirmed as a Villa player within 24 hours of last season reaching a conclusion.
Soon afterwards, a deal was confirmed for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, but Villa have not followed that up with more senior acquisitions.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League outfit have been holding fresh discussions with their Sevilla counterparts in recent weeks.
Romano says that Villa and Sevilla have reached an agreement for Augustinsson to make the switch to the West Midlands in due course.
Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Sevilla to sign Ludwig Augustinsson as new left back. Deal now in place, been told it's a loan move with an option to buy included. 🟣🔵 #AVFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2022
There's still something to be resolved on player side, final details before deal completed. pic.twitter.com/HPkYwkXNxt
With Matt Targett having completed a switch to Newcastle United and Ashley Young having turned 37 years of age on Saturday, Gerrard has been in the market for fresh competition for Lucas Digne.
Earlier this summer, it was suggested that Gerrard was in the market for a younger understudy for the Frenchman, who has established himself at left-back.
However, Augustinsson is just nine months younger than Digne and it is expected that he will challenge for a regular role in the starting lineup.
The 28-year-old endured a frustrating first year at Sevilla, making a total of 14 starts and 13 substitute appearances in all competitions.
© Reuters
During the second half of the season, Augustinsson completed 90 minutes on just three occasions, one of those outings coming in a Europa League fixture versus West Ham United.
Nevertheless, Augustinsson ended the campaign with frequent action, playing 90 minutes in each of Sweden's UEFA Nations League fixtures against Slovenia, Norway and Serbia respectively.
The player, who has earned a total of 46 caps for his country, is also capable of playing at left wing-back and left-midfield.
Before his move to Sevilla, Augustinsson contributed three goals and 15 assists during four years at Werder Bremen, where he made 115 appearances.
Darren Plant
