Lino Sousa: Plymouth Argyle's new Aston Villa loanee has 'huge potential'

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Lino Sousa in action for ArsenalImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Lino Sousa is yet to make his senior debut

Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Foster says new loan signing Lino Sousa has "huge potential".

Sousa, 19, moved to Argyle on loan on deadline day from Aston Villa, having earlier in the day left Arsenal in a permanent move to Villa Park.

The England youth international is yet to make a first-team appearance, but has played for Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

"He's someone that I'm really excited about," Foster told BBC South West.

"We were aware that it was very likely that he was going to move from Arsenal and we said 'if there's an opportunity for him to come out and play football then consider us'.

"Aston Villa have been great, we've got the deal done really quickly and he'll be the squad for the trip to Swansea."

The move ended an unexpectedly hectic transfer window for Argyle, with 14 players either arriving for leaving during January.

Morgan Whittaker in action for PlymouthImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Morgan Whittaker was the subject of speculation linking him with a number of top-flight sides

Arguably Argyle's best bit of business was keeping hold of impressive forward Morgan Whittaker, despite a bid from Italian top-flight side Lazio as the deadline approached.

Whittaker - who moved to Home Park for a club record fee of more than £1m from Swansea City - has scored 15 goals and had six assists this season.

"It's no surprise that a bid's come in because the boy's playing particularly well," Foster said.

"But it went to the board and I think the board's stance on it was really clear, we're not interested.

"We love having Morgan here and he loves being here.

"It would take a ridiculous offer to prise him away from this football club and nobody came in with that offer, so we crack on."

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