---
title: "Dean Smith laughs off Liverpool’s rumoured interest in Ezri Konsa"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/dean-smith-laughs-off-liverpools-rumoured-interest-in-ezri-konsa/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-02-19T20:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-19T20:00:00Z"
---

# Dean Smith laughs off Liverpool’s rumoured interest in Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has laughed of rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Ezri Konsa.

Recent [reports](https://theathletic.com/2383850/2021/02/15/ornstein-mourinho-spurs-konsa-villa-england-wolves/?source=user_shared_article) 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](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/301440/Show/Ezri-Konsa) for Villa this season, helping them to eighth place in the table.

Speaking to reporters on Friday \[via [https://www.goal.com/en/news/konsa-links-liverpool-spurs-laughed-off-smith-aston-villa/ew8ylu9x74c81r6tzjhodcse8](https://www.goal.com/en/news/konsa-links-liverpool-spurs-laughed-off-smith-aston-villa/ew8ylu9x74c81r6tzjhodcse8)*[Goal](https://www.goal.com/en/news/konsa-links-liverpool-spurs-laughed-off-smith-aston-villa/ew8ylu9x74c81r6tzjhodcse8)*\], 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.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

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](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/301440/Show/Ezri-Konsa) per game in the league – the [same as Virgil van Dijk](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/26/Show/England-Liverpool) before he got [injured](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/412585-virgil-van-dijk-knee-injury-surgery) 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-gomez/verletzungen/spieler/256178) coming back from serious injuries, and Joel Matip continually [injury-prone](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joel-matip/verletzungen/spieler/82105), a new centre-back is imperative.