Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign an “unbelievable” midfielder, who could be brought in as an alternative to Conor Gallagher.
Villa set sights on Gallagher alternative
Villa are keen to bring in a new central midfielder this month, and they were hopeful about signing Atletico Madrid’s Gallagher, but Tottenham Hotspur hijacked the deal, which is edging ever closer to completion.
As a result, Unai Emery will be forced to move on to alternative targets in the engine room, while they also remain interested in bringing in a new striker, and they have opened talks over a deal for AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, who is currently on loan at Besiktas.
Bringing in a new striker could be important, given that there are now major doubts over Donyell Malen’s future, as the Villans are now prepared to green-light the Dutchman’s departure, amid interest from Serie A giants AS Roma.
However, with signing a new central midfielder also still on the agenda, Aston Villa have now joined the race for AFC Bournemouth star Alex Scott, who is attracting interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Man City’s interest is perhaps unsurprising, considering the Englishman was once described as “unbelievable” by manager Pep Guardiola, with all four of the aforementioned clubs monitoring his progress very closely.
However, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, as the Cherries are keen to reward Scott with a new contract, and they are reluctant to part ways with another key player, having lost Antoine Semenyo, Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez within recent memory.
Scott could be exciting Gallagher alternative
Since receiving high praise from Pep, the former Bristol City man has gone on to establish himself as an important player for Bournemouth, featuring in all 21 of their Premier League matches this season.
£125k-per-week star keen to join Aston Villa instead of Conor Gallagher
They may not lose a race this time.
ByEmilio Galantini
During that time, the Guernsey-born midfielder has also received plaudits from Mark Goldbridge, who said he “looked like prime Roy Keane” in the Cherries’ 4-4 draw against Man United at Old Trafford last month.
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The central midfielder could perhaps add more goals to his game, having scored just once this season, but he is impressive from a defensive point of view, averaging 2.70 clearances per 90 over the past year, ranking him in the 93rd percentile, compared to other midfielders.
It is disappointing that Aston Villa have missed out on Gallagher, as the former Chelsea man is vastly experienced in the Premier League, and has picked up 22 caps for England, but Scott has proven he could be a solid alternative.