In perhaps one of the least surprising emerging rumours, is that of Keinan Davis being linked with a switch away from Villa Park.
Davis was widely reported to have been on the brink of linking up with Championship side Stoke City during the summer transfer window. However, an injury scuppered the move at the eleventh hour and the striker once more spent time on the treatment table.
DAVIS’ STRUGGLES
There is much to admire and like about Davis’ application, his strong hold up play and fact that for a tall striker, close ball control. The 23 year old is also very intelligent, linking the play together and demonstrated that in the Championship that he could be a very useful player indeed.
However, there are a couple of elements that it would be remiss to overlook.
Firstly, goals have been something of a collector’s item. Whilst the eagle eyed will note that a fair portion of Davis’ appeances have come as a substitute, the fact is that this has translated into just 3 senior goals. Not prolific, nor a super-sub either.
Secondly, there is the issue of injuries. It’s this blogs view that this is the reason for Davis’ stifled development and fact that he now finds himself at a career juncture with Villa. Cameron Archer has burst onto the scene as an exciting goalscorer. Louie Barry, although struggling on loan at Ipswich Town, is just 18 and caused a decent Liverpool side no end of issues in the FA Cup and scoring last season.
Keinan Davis now 23 has spoken about his lack of game time and frustation at a lack of game time. Christian Purslow has made no secret that players need to have established themselves in the squad by 21 and with other options now available, it looks increasingly likely that it’s pastures new for Davis.
A loan move initially seems the most probable, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that for the right offer, the striker might make a permanent move to kickstart his career. Stoke remains a likely destination, although a number of Championship clubs may express interest.