Journalist Luke Hatfield has claimed Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek would be a "brilliant" signing for Aston Villa. 

However, the Express and Star journalist also warned that the Netherlands international's wages would likely scupper any chance of a deal. 

What's the latest news involving Donny van de Beek?

This season has marked another frustrating period for van de Beek. 

After arriving at Old Trafford in summer 2020, the former Ajax star went on to make just four Premier League starts last season. 

Things haven't improved in the current campaign, either. Van de Beek has registered just five minutes in the English top flight so far in 2021/22 and still appears to be a fringe player in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans. 

That only makes news of United turning down an approach for van de Beek from Everton in the summer, before cancelling a potential loan move to Goodison Park, all the more surprising. 

GMS Xbox S giveaway

Enter Giveaway

What has Luke Hatfield said about van de Beek and Aston Villa?

With van de Beek still seemingly far from the starting XI picture at Old Trafford, Hatfield was asked by GIVEMESPORT whether Aston Villa may be interested in moving for the Netherlands midfielder at some point in the future. 

It seems Villa were pursuing creative midfielders similar to van de Beek's profile during the summer - they tried to sign both Southampton's James Ward-Prowse and Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe

Son runs the show as Spurs BOUNCE BACK vs Aston Villa! Full reaction on The Football Terrace...

So, how did Hatfield rate van de Beek - who Transfermarkt value at an affordable £27m - as an alternative to those summer targets?

The Express and Star journalist remarked that the Manchester United midfielder would be a fantastic addition for the Villa Park outfit, but feared wages could prevent a potential deal from taking place. 

Hatfield told GMS: "He'd be fantastic for Villa, he'd be a brilliant signing. But I'm not too sure whether the wages would work out.

"He'll be on big money at United - although I'm not saying Villa won't pay big wages because they are willing to hand out wages to the right players." 

What is van de Beek's salary?

Van de Beek currently earns £120k per-week at Manchester United according to Spotrac.

That sees him rank joint 13th for earnings at Old Trafford, but would make him the joint-top earner at Aston Villa alongside Danny Ings.

With that in mind, it's easy to see why Hatfield has doubts over Villa's capacity to meet any wage demands the 24-year-old might have. 

Nonetheless, it seems van de Beek's future remains somewhere outside of Old Trafford.