By Gabriel Agbonlahor

14th Sep, 2023 | 6:30am

Aston Villa expert tips Leander Dendoncker to quit within days amid 'greedy' verdict

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Leander Dendoncker should be allowed to quit Aston Villa for Turkey as he is not “at the standard” required.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 28-year-old’s versatility could be a potential reason to block a move if Unai Emery is feeling “greedy”.

Sources have told Football Insider that Fenerbahce have included Dendoncker on their target list ahead of their transfer deadline on Friday (15 September).

The Belgium international has played just once so far this season, coming off the bench for a 21-minute cameo against Hibernian in Europa Conference League qualifying.

Dendoncker joined Aston Villa permanently in September 2022 but has made just 22 appearances totalling 795 minutes of action for the Midlands giants.

The ex-Wolves man, who cost a reported fee of around £13million, can play at centre-back, defensive midfield and central midfield.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I would let him go.

“The only good thing about Dendoncker is that we are short on centre-backs.

“With the injury to Mings, he could play in there as well as in midfield. He could also get minutes in the Europa Conference League as a squad player.

“If you’re being greedy, maybe you keep him as a squad player.

“But if he wants to play football, Villa have to let him go.

“He’s not at the standard that is needed for us right now.”

In other news, Unai Emery lays groundwork for marquee Aston Villa signing in January.