Johan Lange is looking to continue the Aston Villa summer spending spree with a move for West Ham youngster Sonny Perkins.
What’s the word?
According to ExWHUemployee, Villa want to sign the teenager on a permanent contract when his London Stadium deal expires at the end of this month.
Steven Gerrard has been very active so far in the transfer market, and the 18-year-old would be an exciting signing for Villa.
The next Declan Rice
Villa have clearly spotted the potential in Perkins and will be aiming to tempt him away from West Ham with an enticing offer.
The England under-18 international has been in fine form for the Irons' under-18s and under-23s this season, bagging 14 goals across Premier League 2 and the Under-18 Premier League.
These performances gave Moyes the incentive to call him up to the first-team squad, with Perkins making three senior appearances during the campaign, and the future looks extremely bright for the youngster.
His potential led ExWHUemployee to state last year that Perkins can be “the next Declan Rice”, while also describing him as a player who is “getting rave reviews” for his performances.
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The 18-year-old's versatility could be a big advantage for Gerrard - although typically a centre-forward, Perkins can operate on either flank and in midfield if required.
Everyone has seen the progress that Rice has made at West Ham, as clubs continue to circle for the 23-year-old despite Moyes placing a £150m price tag on his head.
Of course, there is no guarantee over any player's future success, which depends on a multitude of factors. All the signs with Perkins are promising, though, and Gerrard may just see a swoop for the teenager as an opportunity for Villa to make a fortune in the next few years.
Whatever happens, securing the West Ham starlet on a free transfer would appear to be excellent business and could give the Villa manager the freedom to move for more expensive targets in the summer market.