Noel Whelan has suggested Marcus Thuram would rather be a backup option for a top European club than sign for Aston Villa.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 25-year-old will want to play in the Champions League – something Villa cannot provide.
According to the Daily Express (5 December), Aston Villa are targeting Thuram and Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha after Unai Emery held extensive talks about January recruitment.
Football Insider revealed last month (22 November) that the likes of Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle are all also interested in Thuram.
Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly ready to let the France international depart the club for just £6million in January as his contract enters its final six months.
Thuram, who has scored 13 goals in 17 club outings this term, has played 42 minutes off the bench for Les Bleus at the World Cup.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “When there are big clubs after players like Thuram – they are under no illusions about not being first choice.
“But they will get chances in big games, in European competition, for their international sides.
“Can Aston Villa provide that right now? No. Can they provide it next season, even? Probably not.
“Players like Thuram, who have already played for their countries at World Cups and European Championships – they’ll want top European football, if it’s on offer.
“That could mean sitting on the bench, but it’s a higher level. Aston Villa aren’t there just yet.”
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By: Noel Whelan
Title: Whelan can’t believe Aston Villa could complete £6m Thuram deal after source’s update
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/pundit-cant-believe-aston-villa-could-complete-6m-marcus-thuram-deal-after-source-update/
Published Date: Fri, 09 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0000
