Aston Villa’s striking problems could be resolved with a stunning move for one of their former players if fresh reports are to be believed…
What’s the word?
According to the Daily Mail, Dean Smith has eyed up a swoop for ex-loan sensation Tammy Abraham with him set to fall down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Timo Werner.
However, it is thought that the 22-year-old wants to stay with the Blues and try to fight for his place but don’t write it out of the equation completely just yet as there is still over a month to go in the transfer window.
Villa’s ownership duo Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens are prepared to back their manager in the market following a £140m spree last summer.
Proven at Villa
With negotiations continuing to rumble on for Brentford talisman Ollie Watkins, an audacious move for Abraham does make a lot of sense as he’s been there and done it at Villa Park already in his career.
And Smith could potentially offer him something that Frank Lampard cannot – that being a starting spot in attack.
Wesley and Mbwana Samatta both have struggled with the physicality of the Premier League having scored just seven goals between them all season, so there’s no denying that a new forward should be high on the priorities this summer.
Abraham was a hit during Villa’s promotion season. He provided 26 goals and three assists as Smith steered the Midlanders to a playoff final victory over Derby County.
The Villa boss labelled the 22-year-old striker a “handful” and “a hell of a talent” soon after being appointed at Villa Park whilst BBC’s Garth Crooks has lauded Abraham as an “outstanding” talent.
Clearly, the former loan star wants a fair crack in west London but never say never. He’s now valued at a whopping £36m by Transfermarkt, so he wouldn’t come cheap either.
AND in other news, Watkins? Grealish? Here’s how Dean Smith’s XI may look after the summer window…