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Aston Villa beating Celtic to complete this cut-price deal would be a shrewd move by Smith

Why Aston Villa should go all out to sign Milad Mohammadi in January

As per a report from the Sun, Watford are interested in Akhmat Grozny full-back Milad Mohammadi. Along with Watford, Celtic are also keen to secure the services of the full-back, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season when his deal with Akhmat Grozny expires.

Milad Mohammadi, who was famed for his failed somersault throw-in during this summer’s World Cup in Russia, can play as a full-back and as a left winger. Aston Villa must join Watford and Celtic for the Iranian’s signature in January.

Aston Villa are slowly recovering from a disastrous start to the new Championship season. Manager Dean Smith, who replaced Steve Bruce last month, has made Aston Villa play a much more dynamic and expansive style of football than his predecessor. However, it will take some time for the players to get accustomed to Smith’s style of play at Villa Park.

In reality, Aston Villa are in dire need of reinforcements and Smith should prioritise strengthening the full-back position in January. Alan Hutton will turn 34 later this month and is also out of contract at the end of the current season.

Neil Taylor hasn’t featured for Wales in almost a year, while Ahmed Elmohamady, despite scoring two goals and providing four assists this season, has not been great.

Axel Tuanzebe, on loan from Manchester United, is another candidate who can play at full-back but he has been used in central defence and is building a strong partnership with skipper James Chester. In case of a crisis, Tuanzebe can be used in the full-back area but until then, Smith would be wise to keep playing him in central defence.

Keeping that in mind, Aston Villa must make a move for Milad Mohammadi in January. A left-back by trade, Mohammadi has been a regular in the Iranian national team set-up after making his debut in June 2015.

He is extremely fast, agile, athletic and is renowned for his long throw-ins. The Iranian excels in delivering pin-point crosses into the box and can be a very tricky customer to deal with due to his pace and unpredictability.

Due to his versatility, Mohammadi would also improve Villa’s options further up the pitch as well. The 25-year-old could be a fantastic signing given his contract status and the fact that Smith is building his squad capable of challenging for Premier League promotion.

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One who could be available in a cut-price deal in January, Mohammadi would represent an excellent value for money signing for Aston Villa.