According to the latest reports from Sky Sports, Aston Villa are set to provide competition to Leicester City for the signature of Luton Town fullback James Justin. The left-back was named in League One’s team of the season for last year as he helped Luton gain promotion to the Championship.
Even though he is a right-footed player, he provided nine assists in all competitions last season playing as a left back. Justin can also fill in as a right back when required, and his versatility would be a huge asset for any team looking to sign him.
Why do we feel Villa might be able to beat Leicester?
Luton are willing to hold on to him and will not allow him to leave for cheap. Reports mention that they are likely to demand more than £10m and that could put off Leicester as they only see Justin as a backup option to Ricardo Pereira down the right flank.
Down the left, the Foxes have another world-class option in the form of Ben Chilwell. Therefore on either of the flanks, Justin is only going to be on the bench for Leicester for the most part. The player should also prefer a move to Aston Villa as he should be hungry for regular game time at this stage of his career.
This might give Aston Villa a chance to steal the march over the Foxes as they can probably offer Justin regular game time at Villa Park. But it remains to be seen whether Dean Smith would meet Luton’s asking price which is said to be over £10m.
What can he bring to the table?
As we mentioned, his versatility to play on both the flanks is his biggest asset. The 21-year-old has seen a meteoric rise in the last few years. His impressive pace, work rate and composure make him a standout option. He is effective in both halves of the pitch, and the fact that he is still just 21 makes him a highly sought after target. The fullback often looked shoulders above his oppositions in the League One, and it is no surprise that Premier League clubs are chasing him.
Is he worth paying £10m?
Luton have him under contract until 2020, and they should be in a strong position to negotiate. He hasn’t played much at the top level to be rated at £10m, but his potential is immense. Honestly, he has looked like a Premier League pedigree player in League One. Such is the market today that one needs to shell out that kind of money for a talent like him. It comes down to how much Dean Smith needs him, and we feel that he is worth going after.
