Aston Villa will reportedly go to war with Manchester United once the summer transfer window opens for the signature of versatile Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo.
Both teams will be in need of making additions over the summer - but for very different reasons. Villa first of all hope to be competing in the Champions League for the first time in over four decades, therefore the acquisition of talent proven at this level would be invaluable.
Manchester United on the other hand have seen their 2023/24 campaign decimated on top of a foundation of a poor defensive injury record. At left-back Tyrell Malacia has not made an appearance all season while Luke Shaw has been absent for a total of 30 matches.
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This is where the services of Reinildo come in. The Sun, who claimed both Premier League sides are interested on Thursday, explain how with one year remaining on his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano, the 30-year-old should be available for a cut-price £8m fee this summer.
A Mozambique international, the defender previously won Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France with Lille ahead of a switch to the Spanish capital in 2022. In the two following campaigns he helped his new side to consecutive third-place finishes with 54 appearances in all competitions.
Unfortunately his current season has also been impacted with fitness issues, meaning he has only been able to feature a further 15 times - only seven of them starts. His availability has been steady since the turn of the year, though Atleti's resolve would be seriously tested should an offer land on their doorstep.
For Villa, Reinildo would seem an attractive option given his Champions League experience in particular. He would provide ample cover for Alex Moreno and Lucas Digne primarily, though has also been known to operate as a centre half when called upon by Diego Simeone.
