OLLIE WATKINS
(Not to be confused with Villa’s interest in Marley Watkins)
Villa continue to track promising Exeter striker Ollie Watkins.
The 21 year old League 2 striker has caught the eye, with Bruce keeping tabs on his progress during the January transfer window.
Since these initial links, Exeter have made the League 2 playoff finals at Wembley, which is of course yet to be played out.
Watkins’ performances haven’t just caught the eye – but have also been recognised with awards for EFL Young Player of The Year & Football League Young Player of The Month.
Key Facts:
- 21 Years Old.
- 16 goals in all competitions 2016/17
- Versatile: Can play across the front line, counter from deep & as a winger.
- EFL Young Player of The Year.
- Interested: Villa, Leeds, Bristol City.
JOHN TERRY
Arguably one of the biggest non-stories circulating is a tentative link to John Terry.
Terry, a domestic league, cup & European winner with Chelsea, is available this summer on a free transfer.
Interestingly an approach for the former England international, now 36, was discussed within Villa’s hierarchy. This is as much as has been publicly confirmed.
Whilst the central defenders character can leave much to be desired, his on-field & dressing room temperament might appeal.
However, the likelihood of any deal becoming a reality as Terry considers any number of lucrative salary offers to see out the end of his playing career.
On this, Villa CEO Keith Wyness has stated:
“You could put us on a list of clubs who would look at John.
But I don’t think we would be the right solution for him personally.
It’s something we’ve had a chat about but I don’t think it will come of anything to be honest.”
Source: Express & Star Online
JORDAN AMAVI
In equally dubious news are the reports from France/Spain that Marseille & Athletico Madrid are in for the French fullback.
This is further to the news of Italian’s Napoli expressing their interest earlier in the month.
Whilst Amavi displayed glimpses of promise in his early Villa days, injury and a chronic loss of form has seen his career stagnate.
Given those facts, it’s hard to see where the defender come midfielder now sits in Villa’s plans, and a transfer seem’s increasingly the only plausible outcome.
If it is accurate that an offer of €12 million (£10 million sterling) is the likely fee, Villa should snap the hands off any willing party.
Whilst that fee would fall far short of the unverified £25 million bid reported by Tony Xia in January, it would represent a substantial return for a player who has badly lost his way.