Latest developments
- Aston Villa are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain's Milan Skriniar.
- The Slovakian has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
- The defender has played just five times for PSG this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): L'Equipe reliable for French news
Centre-back Milan Skriniar is on Aston Villa's radar, but the Villans face a battle for his signature, with Tottenham Hotspur said to be interested last month.
French sports newspaper L'Equipe have long been one of the most trusted sources for stories coming out of France, and it is they who named Villa as Spurs' rivals for the Slovakian.
Value (4/5): Loan deal for now
The same outlet claims that PSG are only interested in letting Skriniar leave on loan this month, despite just five appearances in all competitions this season.
That suggests the 29-year-old is still part of Luis Enrique's plans and the Birmingham-based club are unlikely to have to pay either a loan fee or a large portion of his wages.
Suitability (4.5/5): No nonsense champion
A Ligue 1 champion last season and a Serie A winner during almost 250 appearances for Inter Milan, Skriniar may not have English experience, but he knows what it takes to be successful at the top level.
Both PSG and their former boss Unai Emery prefer a back four, thus there is no new system for Skriniar to learn, and his no-nonsense approach will help to sure up Villa's defence which has struggled to keep clean sheets.
Upgrade? (4/5): No solid CB partnership
The tally of 32 goals conceded by Villa is the most of any team currently in the top half of the PL table, and the main reason why they are not quite up to the standards of last season.
Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings have all been in and out of the side this season, giving Skriniar a chance to come in and make a starting berth his own.
Logic (4.5/5): Skriniar needs fresh start
Turning 30 in February, the 77-time capped Skriniar will want to be playing as regularly as he can for the next few years. PSG don't seem to be offering that opportunity, so a move to a team where his experience will be valued makes good sense, even if just on loan.
Whisper+ verdict: 20/25
Villa's need for senior centre-back makes them a better fit for Skriniar than Tottenham, who need anyone for the time being before their regular pairing regain their fitness.
