Interest for Nakamba grows

Harare Bureau
ENGLISH Premiership side Aston Villa have remained tight-lipped despite reported interest from rivals for the services of Zimbabwe international Marvelous Nakamba.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder has reportedly attracted interest from several clubs this summer with, Watford being the latest.

The UK Telegraph reported that Watford, who open their new Premiership season against Villa at their Vicarage Road home ground today, are monitoring the midfielder.

The report added that Villa would look to make a profit on the £11 million they paid for the Zimbabwe international when they brought him from Dutch side Club Brugge two years ago.

According to reports, Everton and Crystal Palace are the other teams also stalking the midfielder. Nakamba is expected to play a bigger role at Villa this season, but there have been reports that the club is pursuing James Ward-Prowse. Ward-Prowse is said to be Dean Smith’s prime target to bolster his midfield, a department in which Nakamba, Morgan Sanson, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia currently occupy. Smith didn’t use Nakamba much last season, but the workaholic Zimbabwean made a strong finish.

In 13 Premier League games for Villa last season, Nakamba averaged 1,7 tackles and 1,3 interceptions per match.

He made 21.9 passes per game on average and recorded a completion rate of 84.2 percent.

The Villa fans have made it clear they want him retained this season.

But the arrival of Ward-Prowse could push the former Bantu Rovers man further down the pecking order.

Villa have not commented on the interest from their EPL rivals.

The £32 500-a-week midfielder has had a good pre-season with the side and is expected to be an integral part for this season.
Birmingham Mail correspondent Ashley Preece penned a glowing tribute for him when the side wrapped up its pre-season friendlies with a 3-1 win over Italian Serie-B side Salernitana last Sunday.

“Another confident display here with Nakamba probably my pick for player of what’s been a disruptive pre-season. The Zimbabwean took up some key positions to stop the Italian side from breaking as Villa pushed bodies forward.

“Again, he mopped up well while he played a quality vertical pass into (Danny) Ings’ feet to spring a Villa attack. Nakamba’s nailed-on to start at Watford on Saturday. He’s been impressive this summer,” stated Preece of Birmingham Mail.