Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has laughed of rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Ezri Konsa.
Recent reports have suggested that the Reds are eyeing up the possibility of bringing the centre-back to Anfield this summer.
The 23-year-old has started 19 Premier League games for Villa this season, helping them to eighth place in the table.
Speaking to reporters on Friday [via Goal], Smith played down speculation over Konsa’s future:
I will joke with him about it. He’s excelling in his position; he’s been one of our best players this season, very consistent and reliable.
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It doesn’t sound as if Villa are entertaining the idea of selling Konsa this summer, but a huge bid could potentially prise him away.
The Englishman has been excellent throughout this season, winning an average of 2.4 aerial duels per game in the league – the same as Virgil van Dijk before he got injured back in October.
Konsa is an exciting long-term prospect who may hope to get into England’s Euro 2020 squad and Liverpool snapping him up could be shrewd business.
With Van Dijk and Joe Gomez coming back from serious injuries, and Joel Matip continually injury-prone, a new centre-back is imperative.
