Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up a shock January move for a struggling Manchester City forward, although they face strong competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Even after putting together an impressive 11-game winning run, the Villans still have scope to strengthen in attack. Earlier in the season, Unai Emery’s side managed just one goal in their first five Premier League matches, while Ollie Watkins’ form has fluctuated, meaning another attacking option could prove useful.
Villa continue to tread carefully with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but Emery is hopeful some transfer activity can take place this winter. The club have already completed a £10.5 million deal for highly rated Gremio winger Alysson, while Leon Bailey could be sold to raise funds should his loan spell at AS Roma be terminated early.
Aston Villa ‘monitoring’ £59m Manchester City forward
According to a new report, one bold target Villa are considering is Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush. TEAMtalk claim the Villans are ‘interested’ in the versatile forward and are prepared to rival Tottenham, who have already made an enquiry, in the race for his signature.
Marmoush is currently representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning his immediate focus lies away from club football. However, the right proposal could convince the former Eintracht Frankfurt player to consider his future. AFCON concludes on January 18, allowing Marmoush to assess his options once he returns to England.
Given Villa’s financial constraints, their reported interest in Marmoush is somewhat unexpected. Emery’s biggest outlay last summer was the £27.5 million signing of Evann Guessand, so spending more than twice that figure just months later would be a major statement.
Still, a move for Marmoush could be a calculated gamble, particularly if Villa believe they can secure the financial rewards that come with qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League. The 26-year-old joined City around 18 months ago for approximately £59 million and has since registered nine goals and four assists in 40 appearances.
Unai Emery clarifies Harvey Elliott situation
Elsewhere, Emery has confirmed that Harvey Elliott will not be making a permanent switch to Aston Villa. The Under-21 European Championship Player of the Tournament from last summer has been absent from Villa’s matchday squads since early October and has effectively been sidelined.
Elliott is now expected to return to parent club Liverpool, who had hoped to secure a permanent sale. Villa originally agreed a season-long loan with an option that would become an obligation to buy for £35 million if Elliott made at least 10 appearances in all competitions.
Having featured only five times in claret and blue, Elliott is unlikely to play for Villa again. Emery has now publicly acknowledged that the club decided some time ago against pursuing a long-term deal.
“The problem we have with Harvey is this year he is on loan and if he plays matches, we must buy him,” Emery explained. “Two months ago we decided we were not convinced about signing him and spending the money required. That is the issue.”
