Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race for Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Netherlands international is one of the most sought-after players of the summer transfer window with less than a year remaining on his contract.
A total of 24 goals and 11 assists have come from his 199 appearances for Feyenoord in all competitions, his ability to play at right-back or centre-back an obvious plus.
As it stands, though, no club has been able to successfully negotiate a deal with his Dutch club, despite their risk of losing him as a free agent.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old without coming close to getting a transfer over the line.
![Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida celebrates on May 19, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/25/lutsharel-geertruida_1.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Feyenoord's Lutsharel Geertruida celebrates on May 19, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Villa emerge as admirers
According to Fabrizio Romano, who was commenting on X, Villa have taken the decision to add Geertruida to their list of targets.
Unai Emery has similar senior defensive options as he possessed last season, Ian Maatsen also able to feature at left-back when required.
Nevertheless, with Champions League football having been secured and former loanee Clement Lenglet yet to be replaced, there is a growing urgency to add to the defensive ranks.
Romano states that Villa are currently only "monitoring" Geertruida as a potential option with RB Leipzig also suggested as a potential destination.
However, a decision will soon need to be made by several parties, Feyenoord likely not wanting Geertruida to reach a stage where he can sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.
© Reuters
Chaotic summer for Villa
As a result of needing to ensure that they meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, Villa have endured breathless periods during this transfer window.
While seven fresh faces have arrived, Maatsen - an attacking full-back or wide player - is the most defensive-minded addition to the squad thus far.
Villa hope that Tyrone Mings will eventually return after a year out with a knee injury, but the only three senior central-defensive options, as it stands, are Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos.
Given the workload from September onwards, that will need to change if Villa want to compete on all fronts.
Darren Plant
