Ashley Preece has dropped a major update on Aston Villa's plans for Jacob Ramsey.

What's the story?

With 22 appearances to his name in the Premier League last season, the 20-year-old certainly established himself as an emerging part of Dean Smith's first-team squad at Villa Park.

And now, responding to a question about what the plans are for the 5 foot 9 Ramsey next season and whether a loan move could be possible, The Birmingham Mail's Preece said: "Villa will look at both options. Smith rates him highly. It was his first year playing PL football last season, let's not forget that and he'll be much better now for 21/22. I think he'll stay and will look to improve considerably once again."

Villa fans will be elated

While Ramsey may not have gotten himself on the score-sheet or even provided an assist in his game-time in the top-flight last season, the fact he's come through the academy and is "one of their own" automatically makes him someone who Villa fans will be desperately rooting for.

With his ability to play as a number ten, more deeper as a central midfielder, and even out wide on the right like he did against Manchester City, the 20-year-old's versatility is a real useful tool for Smith.

It was quite telling that the Villa boss was more than happy to throw Ramsey on in difficult circumstances against the Premier League's big teams, and even start him on occasion too.

Villa fans have already voiced their delight about Ramsey when he signed his new contract earlier this year, and tipped him to do even greater things.

And so, news that he's likely to stay at Villa Park next season will surely have them buzzing.

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