Journalist Ryan Taylor believes Aston Villa could move for Liverpool outcast Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.
The Villans haven’t wasted any time in boosting the quality in Steven Gerrard’s side for his first full season in charge at Bodymoor Heath.
Four new signings are already through the door at a cost of just under £50m (as per Transfermarkt), including now-former Marseille ace Boubacar Kamara, while Matt Targett has sealed a permanent move to Newcastle.
The former Rangers boss and Liverpool legend is on the hunt for more acquisitions, though, and is reportedly looking to raid his old club for the former Southampton man.
Football Insider shared a story last week regarding Oxlade-Chamberlain which stated that Gerrard is a ‘huge’ admirer of the midfielder and has ‘made him a top priority’ this summer.
The report also claims Liverpool could be tempted to sell the 28-year-old as he enters the final year of his deal at Anfield, and that the Villa manager is keen to use Oxlade-Chamberlain in an advanced midfield role.
Speaking on a potential deal, Taylor told GiveMeSport: “I do think that’s one they could potentially look at, but I don’t think there’s anything concrete in any links to Oxlade-Chamberlain at the moment, to be honest. I think it is very much premature and maybe Liverpool trying to drive up interest in the player.”
TIF Thoughts on Oxlade-Chamberlain…
Whether the Reds are trying to ramp up interest in the player or not, a move to Gerrard’s Villa side could make a lot of sense for Oxlade-Chamberlain, providing the former Anfield captain can help aid the 28-year-old back to full fitness and form.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been dubbed ‘unreal’ by journalist Joel Rabinowitz in the past ahead of a reasonably prolific 2019/20 campaign, has lined out in a number of midfield and attacking roles throughout his career, so he would indeed bring plenty of versatility to Villa Park.
A transfer may not be too expensive due to the player’s contract situation at Anfield, and with Gerrard a ‘huge’ admirer of the 28-year-old, this could be one to watch closely.