Aston Villa plot move for £17m-rated English left-back turning heads in Europe

Aston Villa have joined the growing list of Premier League clubs vying for the signature of Gent's talented left-back, Archie Brown according to The Mirror.

The 22-year-old Englishman has been turning heads with his impressive performances in the Belgian Pro League, attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Everton.

Brown's unconventional path to success began when he left his boyhood club, Derby County, in 2021 to join Swiss side Lausanne. During his time in Switzerland, he showcased his immense potential, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances.

His standout performances earned him a €4 million (£3.4 million) transfer to Gent last summer, where he has continued to excel, featuring in 31 Pro League matches and six Europa Conference League games.

The Birmingham-born defender's rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recent call-up to the England Elite League Squad. This recognition has only intensified the interest from Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace being the latest to express their desire to secure his services.

Gent are reportedly seeking a transfer fee in the region of £17 million for their prized asset, a sum that is within reach for Villa, despite their need to comply with the Premier League's financial regulations.

However, with the Villans already having quality left-backs in Lucas Digne and Alex Moreno, a move for Brown may be considered a luxury rather than a necessity.

Despite the intense competition for his signature, Brown remains focussed on his development and aspirations to compete at the highest level. In a recent interview, he expressed his ambition to play in the Champions League and challenge for league titles, believing that he has the ability to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

As the transfer window approaches, the race for Archie Brown's signature is set to intensify, with Aston Villa now firmly in the mix alongside other Premier League suitors. The young left-back's performances for the England Elite League Squad in their upcoming friendlies against Sweden and Ireland will undoubtedly be closely scrutinised by potential buyers, as they weigh up the possibility of bringing him back to his home country.

Brown's journey from Derby County's academy to the international stage has been remarkable, and a potential move to the Premier League would mark the next chapter in his promising career.

As the transfer saga unfolds, Villans around the world will be eagerly awaiting the outcome, with Aston Villa now a serious contender to secure the services of this rising star.