Villa will give Traore chance to shine

NEW Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore is in line for his debut tonight in the Carabao Cup.

The former Chelsea youngster, right, became Villa’s fourth summer signing when he joined from Lyon last week but the deal was not completed in time for him to be involved in Monday’s 1- 0 win over Sheffield United.

Villa manager Dean Smith said: “He needed to be signed by Friday lunchtime but with the work permit and Covid situation we couldn’t get it done on time. The paperwork has come through so hopefully he’ll be ready for Bristol City.”

Villa have paid £ 17million for the 25- year- old Burkina Faso international, with a potential

£ 2m in add- ons. The Auxerre academy product is returning to the Premier League three seasons after leaving Chelsea. “He brings extra quality and competition for places if we want to be a high- quality team, which we’re building towards,” said Smith.

Keinan Davis is expected to lead the Villa line tonight after signing a new deal until 2024.

He joins skipper Jack Grealish and Tyrone Mings in agreeing new contracts. Smith is now looking to tie down John McGinn and Douglas Luiz on improved terms.