Whelan hails the arrival of Traore

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New Aston Villa signing Bertrand Traore could be “the answer to their problems on the wing”, according to Noel Whelan.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Coventry and Leeds ace also claimed Villa are spending money more wisely this summer than last.

Villa confirmed the capture of the 25-year-old from Lyon on Saturday but he was ineligible for Monday night’s game against Sheffield United due to a paperwork issue.

Dean Smith is “hopeful” that the former Chelsea winger will make his Villa debut in their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Championship side Bristol City on Thursday night.

Traore was teammates with Aston Villa coach John Terry while at the Blues and Whelan believes the pair’s relationship played a major part in convincing Traore to move to the Midlands.

He told Football Insider: “There’s nothing better than when you come to England or you go abroad and there’s somebody there that you know, that you’ve played with and worked with before.

“He’ll be excited, having another crack at the Premier Leauge.

“Dean Smith is obviously thinking he will be the answer to their problems on the wing.

“They’ve spent quite a bit of money again, have Aston Villa, but I think they’ve spent it better this time.”

Traore told the Villa website following his £19milion move that a conversation with Terry helped convince him to move to Villa Park.

He said: “I knew John as a Chelsea legend when I was a kid from the academy. It’s always something special when he gives you advice.”


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By: Football Insider speaking to Noel Whelan
Title: Whelan hails the arrival of Traore
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-whelan-hails-aston-villa-signing-traore/
Published Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2020 11:00:37 +0000