Aston Villa are ready to open talks with striker Keinan Davis over a new deal, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old hitman is out of contract next summer at Villa Park, with his future beyond that point still yet to be decided.
But it is understood that Dean Smith and his staff are keen to open negotiations with the 6’3″ colossus [Whoscored] over a new long term deal after being impressed by the progress he has made in recent seasons.
TiF Tactis – What does Davis offer Villa?
He may be yet to start a Premier League match this season, but that doesn’t mean that Davis won’t have an important part to play for the Villans this term.
Dean Smith went big over the summer with his transfer business, bringing in a whole host of players, but for all of his activity, he still only has Wesley Moraes, Jonathan Kodjia, and Davis as senior striking options.
If one of those picks up an injury, then the responsibility on the other two will increase greatly, and so Davis has to be ready to step into the breach whenever he is required to.
All the signs are from his early career at Villa that he has the capabilities to do just that.
He may have been limited to just six substitute appearances in the Championship last year, but the season before that, when he featured in 28 matches, Davis managed 1.4 shots, 0.9 key passes, and 1.3 successful dribbles per game, as per Whoscored.
He is naturally physical and has a footballing intelligence that makes him a really exciting prospect, and given enough time and faith, he could really come good for Villa in the top flight.
Is he likely to sign a new deal?
You would assume that there is no real reason as to why he wouldn’t.
Davis has been at Villa since U18 level, and has been given more than enough opportunities to prove his worth in the senior side.
He should have a fairly prominent role again this season, and as long as there can genuine assurances made as to how regularly he will play and how his long term future at the club will pan out, there is no discernible reason as to why this shouldn’t happen.