Aston Villa move for Hourihane replacement labelled ‘obvious nonsense’
Borussia Dortmund assistant coach Rene Maric has blasted talk of Axel Witsel leaving for Aston Villa.
The experienced midfielder has been touted around some big clubs in the last week with Villa believed to be among his admirers.
Witsel has one year left on his deal with Dortmund. As such, they were understood to be willing to let him go for a small fee as opposed to seeing him leave for free next year.
Italian outlet Tuttosport said Villa were ‘active’ on the 32-year-old. Juventus and Roma were also mentioned in the same manner.
However, Austrian coach Maric has dismissed the talk.
“It‘s obvious nonsense,” Maric wrote on Twitter. “I can‘t understand how some people are pretending it‘s not just to make a headline.”
it‘s obvious nonsense, can‘t understand how some people are pretending it‘s not just to make a headline
— René Marić (@ReneMaric) August 29, 2021
And when Maric was asked who his source was, the coach posted a photo of himself and Witsel at Dortmund.
— René Marić (@ReneMaric) August 29, 2021
Ismaila Sarr hands off
Meanwhile, Watford boss Xisco Munoz has revealed that it would have to be a huge offer for Ismaila Sarr to leave Vicarage Road before Tuesday’s deadline.
Sarr, who started Watford’s 1-0 defeat at Tottenham, has been mentioned as a target for Dean Smith.
Munoz though made the club’s stance on the winger clear ahead of the game.
He said: “It’s always the same in the transfer market. Everybody speaks about the top players and Sarr is a very good player, a top player.
“It’s normal there are rumours about him. But if you are asking if I want him here and to stay at the club, then yes because he’s so very good.”
Asked if it would take a big offer to lure him away, Munoz replied: “For me, sure, because he’s a top, top player.”
READ MORE: Aston Villa repeat exit strategy with midfield man as move is confirmed
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