Aston Villa winter transfer signing set for League One move following Watford links

According to the Bristol Post, Bristol Rovers are 'close to securing' a loan deal for Sousa. They had been linked with a move for Liverpool's Calum Scanlon, given he also plays in the same position, a move for Sousa seems to be preferred.

The Post's report adds that is unclear whether the deal will be completed in time for Sousa to be involved against Rotherham United at the weekend. If the deal isn't concluded by then he could potentially make his debut against Spurs in the EFL Trophy.

Sousa joined Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee from Arsenal on February 1, 2024, and was immediately shipped out on loan to Plymouth Argyle. Sousa, born in Portugal, but an England under-19 international made eight appearances for the Pilgrims last season, with three starts and five substitute appearances.

The left-sided defender didn't make a first-team appearance during his time at the Emirates, but had made the bench during Mikel Arteta's reign, sitting amongst the substitute's in an FA Cup third round match with Liverpool. During his time in North London, he made a combined 53 appearances for their under-18, under-21 and youth elite team.

Before joining Arsenal, he was on the books of Aston Villa's West Midlands rivals West Brom, and was a prominent member of the Baggies' under-18s team. Sousa moved to the Midlands when he was eight-years-old, and so he is well accustomed to the area of his parent club.

As for his career prospects at Villa, he signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he arrived in the winter. Sousa was not a part of the first-team's pre-season preparations, but did feature in a game for the under-21s against Chasetown. In July, Sousa was linked by The Athletic with a move to Championship side Watford, but now a drop down to League One seems to be his next step.