Kerr Smith has hinted he will not be making a move to Villa Park this summer amid rumours of Aston Villa’s interest.
What’s been said?
In comments recently made in an interview with The Courier, the centre-back claimed that he is solely focused on getting more game time under his belt in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United next season, rather than worrying about any speculation regarding his future.
The 16-year-old has been linked with a move to the likes of Aston Villa and Manchester United in the past, while The Sun recently reported that Dean Smith’s side, as well as Leicester City, are once again considering a move for the defender this summer, with Dundee United thought to be demanding a fee of £500k to part with the youngster.
However, if Smith’s recent comments are anything to go by, a summer transfer would appear to be the last thing on his mind, with the starlet stating: “To get five games in the Premiership at 16-years-old is a pretty good return, but I want to get more. I’m looking to get 10-15 games a season.
“I think the gaffer [Micky Mellon] has got a lot of trust in me because he’s coached me for a long time now through the U18s. I’ve just got to keep working hard in training because nothing is definite.
“If I don’t train well then I’m not going to deserve to play but, for me, that’s not going to happen. I’m going to go in there and earn my place.”
Would Kerr Smith be a good signing?
Yes
No
Smith will be gutted
Having already gone on to make five appearances for the Dundee United first team at just 16 years of age, it is clear that Micky Mellon believed Smith had a fantastic future ahead of him in the game during his time in Scotland.
Indeed, with centre-back being a position in which great physical strength, perfect concentration and fantastic discipline are required, the fact that Dundee United feel the youngster is already capable in all of these qualities would appear to indicate that Smith boasts a tremendous amount of potential.
And, considering the reported interest of teams such as Manchester United, Leicester City and Aston Villa, this would appear to be a perspective that is shared by a number of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
As such, the centre-back’s latest comments – while they do not categorically rule out a move this summer – are sure to have left Dean Smith gutted, as, if the man whom Mark Connolly dubbed a “fantastic” talent does indeed remain in Scotland this summer, before going on to have an impressive breakthrough campaign next term, the interest in his services is only likely to increase – something that could ultimately rule Villa out of a move.
In other news: Lange must sanction Villa swoop for “phenomenal” £45m-rated beast who Smith would love