Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi faces an uncertain future at the club...

What's the word?

According to journalist Ashley Preece - in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail - the Midlands outfit are yet to receive an approach for the 27-year-old this summer, with it looking as if Villa could be forced to sanction another loan departure for the Netherlands international.

Asked if there 'any takers' for the former Lille man, the trusted insider responded: "Not just yet. Haven't heard or been told of any interest. Villa might have to shake hands on a loan. His contract expires next summer (June 2023)."

The 6 foot 2 menace - who signed for the Villans on an initial loan deal back in 2018 - appears to be surplus to requirements under manager Steven Gerrard, having been shipped out on loan to fellow Premier League side Everton in the second half of last season.

El Ghazi has netted 26 goals and provided 16 assists in 119 games in all competitions for his parent club thus far.

Supporters frustrated

That news will no doubt come as a source of frustration for supporters, with most seemingly keen to see the £8.1m-rated man moved in the current window, both for the sake of the team but also for the player himself.

It would appear to make little sense to keep hold of a player who looks unlikely to feature under Gerrard next term, with it having been telling that the 42-year-old was willing to let the versatile forward depart in January.

El Ghazi could well have used that as motivation to prove the Englishman wrong during his temporary spell at Goodison Park, although was ultimately reduced to a bit-part role with the Toffees, making just two top-flight appearances for the club - both of which came from the bench.

That dismal stint on Merseyside has done little to enhance the £38k-per-week man's status back at his parent club, with it difficult to see the one-time Ajax man managing to force his way back into contention, particularly with the wealth of attacking talent at the manager's disposal.

In truth, it would be best for all parties if a move could be secured - even if it were to be another temporary exit - with frustration no doubt growing among supporters that Gerrard has not been able to trim what he described as a "bloated" squad.

Having to deal with possible outgoings could well hold up any potential incomings, with the sooner the 'deadwood' is moved on, the better.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez...