Aston Villa: Ashley Preece drops transfer claim on Melayro Bogarde | OneFootball

The Birmingham Mail‘s Ashley Preece has dropped an exciting Aston Villa claim on Melayro Bogarde, brother of 17-year-old club prospect Lamare.

What’s the story?

The latter joined from Dutch giants Feyenoord last summer and has spent the majority of his time with both the under-23s and under-18s last season.

Responding to a question about whether his older brother Melayro (19) would be an ideal fourth-choice centre-back at Villa Park, Preece said: “I really like the sound of this one; I think I’m right in saying his deal at Hoffenheim has just 12 months left. He’s an emerging talent as you know, his brother is at the club and I’m sure it’s there if Villa want it. Haven’t been told of any interest at this stage.”

Family ties with Villa

Given that Lamare is already at Villa, the chances of enticing Melayro to the club seem higher, and it’s the kind of shrewd move that Dean Smith must surely make.

Speaking after Lamare’s arrival last summer, academy manager Mark Harrison raved: “We are delighted to welcome Lamare to the club. He is a player with immense potential and the commitment that will go in to fulfilling that starts now.”

Described by The Athletic’s Gregg Evans as “one to keep an eye on” after signing a professional contract with the club last January, Lamare could be Smith’s new diamond from the academy setup.

Bringing through his older brother to the academy, and even into the first team squad as a more established younger player, could see the duo commit their long-term futures to the club in a way that may not happen were only Lamare to be at Villa.

The fact that a move is “there if Villa want it”, according to Preece, should see Smith act upon it this summer and reunite the brothers in the English Midlands.

Meanwhile, John Percy has dropped a major Villa transfer update…