Dean Smith has scoffed at recent transfer speculation linking Ezri Konsa with an Aston Villa exit.
Konsa, 23, has been a standout performer for Villa this season, helping them achieve the joint second-best defensive record in the Premier League.
The English centre-back's steadfast performances have caught Liverpool's attention, according to The Athletic , while Tottenham are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
But Konsa remains under contract at Villa Park until 2023 and the club has the option to extend his deal for another season.
And Villa boss Smith laughed off suggestions Konsa could depart the Second City for a Premier League rival this summer.
“I will joke with him about it,” Smith told reporters when pressed on recent speculation surrounding Konsa's future.
“He’s excelling in his position; he’s been one of our best players this season, very consistent and reliable.”
Konsa joined Villa in a £12million transfer from Brentford in the summer of 2019, after an impressive season in the Championship with the Bees.
Prior to that, he was a target for Arsenal after coming through the ranks at Charlton Athletic, while he was also a member of the England Under-20 squad which won the U20 World Cup in 2017.
What is a fair transfer fee for Ezri Konsa? Have your say in the comments.
Konsa is now pushing for a spot in the senior England set-up and Villa legend Gabriel Agbonlahor claims he is worth a huge amount more than the £12million he was signed for two years ago.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider : “He’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing. Keep clean sheets, it’s all about stats nowadays so keep the clean sheets coming.
“He’s got every chance because he’s been playing outstanding football. He’s comfortable with the ball. He can play out from the back and he’s got that pace which you need in international football.
“Konsa, Mings, Targett, all of them have got aspirations of playing for England. If they keep playing how they’re playing, anything’s possible.
“I’ve heard that he’s a good lad, he’s very confident in his ability. Great signing from Dean Smith. Every signing’s been perfect. He came from Brentford, didn’t cost a huge amount of money and now he’s probably worth five times that amount.”
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