The Sun on Sunday has recently reported that Aston Villa are interested in making a move for Exeter City’s Ben Chrisene in the upcoming January transfer window.
This comes from a report in The Sun on Sunday (print edition, page 61, November 3, 2019, via HITC) that the Exeter City teenager has been the target of a January transfer move to the Premier League.
Interestingly, it is believed that the youngster spent last week training with Villa, with the midfielder able to switch clubs in January 2020 when he turns 16.
The 15-year-old has also been reported to have attracted attention other Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Southampton and European giants Bayern Munich.
A future star?
The central-midfielder has already been tipped for greatness by Exeter manager Matt Taylor. Back in August this year, the teenager came on as a substitute in Exeter’s 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Coventry City aged 15 years, seven months and one day (per BBC Sport).
Despite the defeat, Taylor was still excited by Chrisene’s potential future.
“He’s going to play at the top level, it’s as simple as that,” Taylor said.
“What that top level is for Ben, he’s 15 years old, I can’t tell you that yet. But I think he’ll play at a top, top standard of football.”
TIF Tactics – The right time?
When it comes to Aston Villa’s main squad, they currently have five central midfielders fighting for the position. So if a January move for Chrisene is on the table, it’s unlikely he will see any first-team action straight away. A more likely option for Chrisene at Villa would be a spot in their Under-18 squad or maybe a loan move away to pick up more game experience.