The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has shed some light on Aston Villa's reported transfer target Manor Solomon.

What's the story?

Reports back in the summer of 2020 suggested that Dean Smith's side were one of a number of teams, including those in the Premier League like Arsenal, who were interested in signing the Shakhtar Donetsk star.

Then, in recent weeks, AS Roma Live had claimed that Villa are still following Solomon ahead of a potential move, with his agent having indicated that a transfer away from Shakhtar could be on the cards sooner rather than later.

In response to the news, Preece revealed what he knows about the situation and whether he's what Smith would be looking for at Villa Park.

He said: "It's an interesting link, obviously. He fits the brief because Villa want young players. He is coming into his pomp, as it were, and he's got a decent goals record and assists return as well.

"He does fit the brief but I haven't seen anything concrete on that yet. Being linked with a winger like Solomon did surprise me, to be honest, so we'll see where that goes."

Imagine him and Bailey

The 22-year-old was in fine form for Shakhtar last season, scoring 11 goals in 35 games in all competitions, including some very eye-catching performances in the Champions League.

He netted in both games against Real Madrid in the group stages as his side shocked the European giants twice, while it's no surprise he's been described as someone with "real quality."

Capable of playing on either flank,  the 22-year-old's short stature and direct nature is very much like Villa's marquee summer signing Leon Bailey, and that should already have fans excited at the prospect of a mouth-watering duo.

Solomon averaged 2.7 successful dribbles per game at an astonishing accuracy of 80% in the Champions League last year, and having the twin threat of him and Bailey flying up and down the wing would cause nightmares for most top-flight defences.

In fact, former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has even tipped him to enjoy a big future in the Premier League, saying: "Sure! There are no players like him who can easily dribble past players. He’s getting better all the time, he’s a professional guy."

The £18m-rated flier could add yet another exciting attacking dimension to Villa's side.

Meanwhile, this Villa star has been tipped to leave...