Tyrone Mings backed to partner Diego Carlos despite Newcastle transfer 'link'

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor says Tyrone Mings will stay at Aston Villa despite Newcastle United reportedly showing interest in the defender. The 29-year-old has been at the Midlands outfit for three years and brings a lot of experience into Steven Gerrard's team.

However, with Diego Carlos signing for Aston Villa, speculation is rife that Mings may be on his way out of the club this summer. United are one club linked, mainly due to his relationship with former coach Eddie Howe.

Howe signed Mings back in 2015 whilst he was managing Bournemouth and now a reunion could well be on the cards. However the former Claret and Blue man insists Mings must stay for the experience.

He told Football Insider: “I think he is a top player and he’s experienced at 29 as well. That experience is going to help him in that backline. Konsa’s going to be out for a while with injury but Steven Gerrard’s always said he wants to bring in an experienced centre-half as well. This shows him doing that."

New signing Carlos was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle in January but Sevilla rejected the Magpies' advances. Agbonlahor now thinks the Brazilian and Mings will make a solid partnership.

“He’s not looking for youth, he’s looking for experience in that backline," he added. "I think Carlos and Mings would be a strong partnership, they are both very physical. Gerrard wants to get his business done early and add to the squad and that’s what he’s done."