Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has identified Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as the ideal signing for his old club as they search for a new centre-back following Ibrahima Konate's departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Konsa's stock has risen after helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals and scoring in the 6-4 bronze play-off victory over France. The 28-year-old won the Europa League with Villa last season and is also reported to be a target for beaten Champions League finalists Arsenal.
McAteer believes Konsa's experience and consistency would ease the burden on captain Virgil van Dijk and help develop young defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni. "I see a more ready-made centre-back coming in who's got international experience, who knows the Premier League, and that for me would be someone like Konsa," he said.
The former Ireland international also suggested Villa may be vulnerable to a big offer. With Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans having left, and Unai Emery fighting to keep his key players, McAteer claimed that a bid of £80 million could tempt Villa due to Financial Fair Play considerations.
McAteer added that Liverpool should not repeat past mistakes in missing out on central defenders such as Marc Guehi, insisting Konsa would be a "good buy". Liverpool have yet to make a formal approach, but speculation is likely to intensify as the transfer window progresses.
