Villa monitor Okore

Last updated : 11 June 2013 By Terry Tteralli @Tteralli

The 6ft, 20-year-old centre back made 29 appearances for F.C. Nordsjælland last season, notching an impressive 4 goals. He’s also a full Danish international, after making his debut in 2011.

Laursen had this to say about the prospect:  “He’s very fast and physically really strong – he is a big boy.

“He is definitely one of the best defenders in Denmark. Okore has played in a friendly and then Denmark will play again on Tuesday.

“I think he will play that game so Aston Villa will definitely see him.

“In the papers in Denmark they wrote that Chelsea wanted to sign him in January, but he said no he didn’t want to go there because he wanted to find a place where he could play regularly.

“I think that’s very wise of him. Aston Villa would be easier for him to play than Chelsea definitely, but he would have to work hard.

“It’s his best chance because he wants to leave FC Nordsjaelland.

“He has to try a better league and with the qualities that he’s got then I don’t think it’s a bad choice if he can come to Aston Villa.

Regarding Okore’s weaknesses, Laursen added: “Where he makes some mistakes is to find the right positions and when he has to mark players.

“There you can see he is young and not so experienced, but that will come. He’s only 20 and I wasn’t even a regular in Denmark when I was 20. Playing with the national team will help him mature.

"He’s got the qualities to become a very good centre-half and I think the Premier League will suit him.”