From one of Norway’s premier sporting newspapers, Aston Villa scouts were on hand to watch Odd’s 0-0 Europa League draw against Dinamo Zagreb. The Norwegian club lost out on aggregate 2-1.
From VG Sporten: Aston Villa is interested in two Odd BK players.
Those players would be 23-year old left back Thomas Grogaard and 21-year old goalkeeper Sondre Rossbach. Both are seasoned starters within one of Norway’s top clubs in Odd. Grogaard took over the starting fullback gig in 2014 while Rossbach became the number one ‘keeper in 2015 – at the young age of 19.
Aston Villa’s interest in Thomas Grogaard should be well documented. Jordan Amavi is on his way out, possibly as soon as Friday. A sale of Amavi leaves the claret and blues with one single senior left back in the squad, Neil Taylor.
Neil Taylor is a consummate professional but his form could stagger if he is not pushed in training. Moreover, he’s 28 and not exactly the future of the position. Thomas Grogaard could be a cheaper, younger alternative to the Wales international.
Grogaard actually has one national team appearance with Norway, but oddly enough, it occurred back in 2014. In his career, he has 113 professional appearances, all with Odd, all in Norway’s top flight or the Europe League.
On the reverse end, Villa is also interested in Odd’s starting ‘keeper, Sondre Rossbach, who held Zagreb to a scoreless draw. Despite turning 21 in February, Rossbach has anchored Odd in net since 2015 with appearances spanning back to 2013. 91 professional appearances in all with Odd, and an incredible total of 20 caps with the U-21 team.
His Wikipedia page states he turned down a 4-year contract offer from Manchester United.
Next: Look for rotation in Carabao Cup fixture
Verdict:
Both players are unlikely to cost much in the way of transfer sum. It’s a positive sight to witness Villa scouting the globe for untapped, high-value targets. Scouting just the United Kingdom leaves an entire world of talent in the dark to Villa. With today’s appreciated prices in the transfer market, this remains more important now than ever.
Unless Steve Bruce plans on utilizing 19-year old left Oscar Borg with the senior team, a new left back is paramount.