OPINION
Aston Villa reportedly haven’t given up on Brentford midfielder Romaine Sawyers but they should finally give up the chase and let West Bromwich Albion take the risk on him.
West London Sport claimed in December that the Villans were expected to make a bid for the 27-year-old playmaker in January but then Press Association Sport journalist Nick Mashiter shared via his personal Twitter account that a move wasn’t on the cards at the start of the month.
Middlesbrough are keen on Brentford's Romaine Sawyers. 18 months left on his contract. As mentioned elsewhere last month, #avfc unlikely in January. #boro #brentfordfc
— Nick Mashiter (@nickmashiter) January 8, 2019
Yet while the Villans’ pursuit looked dead and buried at that point, according to Sun journalist Alan Nixon it is very much alive.
Nixon reported via his personal Twitter account that the Villans on Wednesday that the club were still very keen on Sawyers and that if they pay the money, they’d get their man.
Villa are keen. So are others. Pay the money. Get the man. https://t.co/Nz9BEl3Hmc
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 16, 2019
Yet given that Sawyers recent form has been less than stellar to say the least in recent weeks despite him having five assists for the season and the fact the Villans’ priority shouldn’t be a new playmaker, he isn’t worth the fuss.
Given that competition seems to be intense the Villans would have to go all out for Sawyers to ensure they won the race and it’s just not worth the effort.
There’s a definite risk in whether working hard to sign Sawyers would prove worthwhile as it’s no guarantee he’ll make a big impact at Villa Park or turn his form around, so they’re better off letting WBA gamble on him.
According to Nixon Villa’s rivals are set to battle the club for Sawyers and even took a dig at them missing out on Kortney Hause, but perhaps on this occasion it might be better to lose the fight.
Yes. If he goes to Villa that’s two battles you’ve lost with them in a week after Hause. Not great. https://t.co/CmkBVmOUIP
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 16, 2019
If Sawyers continues playing like he is then WBA would have wasted their time signing him and Villa fans would be thankful for a near miss as well be able to laugh at their rivals’ expense.