Andre relishing big chance at a ‘big club’
ANDRE Moreira today completed his season-long loan move to Aston Villa. The 22-year-old stopper officially registered as a player after spending the past five days getting to know his new team-mates.
Moreira joins from Atletico Madrid and told the club’s official website: “I am very excited. It’s such a big opportunity at such a big club. It’s the perfect opportunity at the right moment. It’s a big move for me.
“Aston Villa is a great football club – a famous football club.
“The training facilities are great. I know the stadium is famous and historic. I just can’t wait to get started now.”
Moreira will now compete with Jed Steer for the No.1 jersey. Steer has played every minute of the preseason programme so far but Moreira is now on board to compete for a starting berth.
Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic’s Nick Powell is likely to stay at the club this summer despite interest from Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce, according to reports.
Powell, 24, was in fine form last season as he helped the Latics secure promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
The attacking midfielder netted 15 goals in 45 appearances and, despite the club’s achievement of clinching promotion straight away, there has been speculation surrounding his future.
Powell worked with Bruce previously for a short spell at Hull City, loaned to the KCOM Stadium in 2016 as the Tigers secured promotion back to the Premier League.
Bruce targeted Powell last summer, too, as he looked to strengthen Villa’s chances of a promotion push.
Powell remained at the DW Stadium and instead helped Paul Cook’s side to a top two finish – and now he’s reportedly set to stay there this summer too.
Villa also have an interest in Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, but have missed out on Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn, who has completed a move to Sheffield United.
It’s understood that Villa were operating under a “soft” transfer embargo following investigations into the club’s finances.
Boss Steve Bruce has been unable to register any new players because of the previous money problems under Tony Xia. It was only two months ago that Villa missed a tax payment and there were serious concerns of administration following a struggle to pay other bills.
But the recent change of ownership has helped ease any financial fears and Villa are now close to finding a solution for their problems.
The Birmingham Mail understands that new owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens have enlisted the help of super-agent Jorge Mendes to assist in transfer dealings this season.
Moreira is a client of Mendes, but Bruce is still having the final say on all incomings.
He continues to track his own targets, too, with Robert Snodgrass still on the radar following a successful campaign last season.