Aston Villa transfer target Harold Moukoudi has revealed that his decision to not move to England came after a discussion with Steve Bruce, with the defender admitting a move to Villa Park was too early for him.  

Bruce was desperately looking to add to his centre-back options late in August, with Moukoudi amongst his top targets.

The 20-year-old flew into England for talks with Bruce and Villa, but opted against a move to the Sky Bet Championship, with Moukoudi remaining with Le Havre.

Discussing his decision, Moukoudi told French media outlet, France Bleu: “I saw huge, impressive infrastructure. I had the feeling that their football and ours were not the same.

“I went there to hear what the coach had to say to me. To see if it was interesting to leave. I took the time to think and I chose to stay in France.

“In my family, we have certain values. Today, money is not really my first interest. I want to build a career, a great career.

“And according to us, going abroad after only one year of professionalism, it was probably a little too early.”

Villa failed to add a centre-back to their squad after Moukoudi rejected their offer, with Bruce continuing to turn to Mile Jedinak to deputise alongside James Chester.

That partnership came under pressure towards the end of August, with Villa struggling for victories in the Championship.

Reports seem to suggest that Villa’s search for a centre-back are ongoing, with John Terry remaining on the club’s radar.

Terry captained Villa to the play-off final last season, with the ex-England captain influential alongside Chester.

The Verdict

Moukoudi’s admission is interesting, as the centre-back clearly didn’t feel that Villa Park was right for him.

Villa appeared to put a lot of effort into that deal late in the window, and their failure to get it over the line will have been frustrating.

There is now added pressure on Bruce to find a new centre-back, with his side struggling to impress, particularly in defence.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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