Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has been working on a loan move for Liverpool winger Ben Woodburn if midfield maestro Jack Grealish leaves the club this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Responding to tweets from fans on his personal Twitter account, the Sun reporter claims that the Villans have been trying to secure a temporary move for the 18-year-old sensation, who has established himself among the first team for both club and country over the past year.
However, it is stated that Woodburn, who has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the UK, would only move from Anfield to Villa Park if Grealish, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, was shipped out.
Left winger Woodburn, who has seven caps for Wales, has 11 appearances for Liverpool’s first team under his belt, and was even an unused substitute in the club’s Champions League semi final last season.
Good move for Aston Villa?
While Woodburn might not have the experience that others might possess, he already has a load of quality at his feet, with plenty more to come as he develops into a better player.
The fact he is getting regular games for Wales shows just how highly the teenager is thought of, and to have that talent at his fingertips would be a dream for Bruce.
Of course, it would be mighty difficult to replace Grealish in the Villa starting XI, and considering they operate in different roles and have different skills, Bruce might have to change the way he sets up his team to get Woodburn as involved as possible.
Still, an exciting prospect for Villa fans, and one which would help soften the blow of Grealish leaving.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
This one all hinges on Grealish and his future.
The work has been done behind the scenes to bring Woodburn in if the English midfielder leaves, but right now that is all up in the air.
It depends on whether Bruce really wants Woodburn as to if he pushed Grealish out the door, or keeps hold of the man who is Villa through and through.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10