SM
Man City vs. Man Utd: 9 hrs 46 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Dean Smith still wants to boost squad before end of transfer window

:Headline: Dean Smith still wants to boost squad before end of transfer window: ID:416012: from db_amp
Four new players have arrived at Villa Park this summer.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has revealed he is determined to further strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes next week.

Smith's buoyant side face Fulham on Monday on the back of seven games unbeaten and new boy Bertrand Traore is set to feature after his stunning debut goal against Bristol City in midweek.

But Smith is still not satisfied with the strength of his squad and is looking to add to his numbers following the departure of Mbwana Samatta to Fenerbahce.

Smith said: "We're always looking in the market, we're probably one short in the squad at the moment so we'll keep looking at that.

"I think there's seven days left until the window shuts internationally, another seven days domestically.

"Our sporting director at the moment has got his finger on the pulse, hopefully we might get one more in and maybe a couple more out."

Bertrand Traore made a big impression against Bristol City (Peter Cziborra/PA)

Despite Traore's immediate influence, Smith is keen to strengthen in the final third while a further option in midfield would not go amiss.

Smith added: "There's a number of positions, and obviously with [Samatta] going out, you look at the forward line, but also midfield as well.

"We'll see if there's one who can fit both for us."

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is looking to strengthen his squad (Matt Dunham/PA)

Defender Bjorn Engels is back training for Villa following an Achilles injury but is not expected to feature against the Cottagers, while forward Wesley and goalkeeper Tom Heaton (both knee) both remain sidelined.

Smith revealed that defender Ezri Konsa will be available despite appearing to pick up a minor injury in Monday night's 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

"The only ones who won't be available are Bjorn Engels, Tom Heaton and Wesley," added Smith.

"Ezri Konsa, everyone told me he had a bit of a hamstring strain at half-time (on Monday) – it wasn't, it was a strain in his glutes – and he is back training."

amp_article__416012 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-09-26 13:21:30:
html db last update - 2020-09-26 13:21:30 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Dean Smith

Click here for more stories about Aston Villa

Share this article now:
Read more about Dean Smith Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .