The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has dropped an exciting claim about Aston Villa starlet Jacob Ramsey.

What's the story?

With 22 appearances to his name in the Premier League last season, the 20-year-old enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign at Villa Park, establishing himself as a key part of Dean Smith's first-team squad.

Preece has now suggested that the midfielder's emergence onto the scene could have ramifications in the way they approach the transfer market, saying: "I think Jacob Ramsey could save Villa a fortune. I did note down in pre-season that he looked much bigger in stature, he's really a size now like a boxer. Glided past Chelsea at the Bridge, and that will build his confidence. He can go to Stamford Bridge and give Saul the runaround like he did, and that will bode well.

"He backed up his Newcastle performance with another one at Chelsea, and let's see what he can do this season. A really good start for Ramsey. He could save Villa millions."

Villa fans will be buzzing

As Preece says, Ramsey does appear to have filled out a bit more since playing for the club last season, much like another talented young starlet in Carney Chukwuemeka.

It was quite telling that, earlier this season, Preece admitted that while Villa would look at the potential option of loaning Ramsey out, his own prediction was that he would stay in the Midlands.

He 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."

With his ability to play as a number ten, deeper as a central midfielder, and even out wide on the right, the 20-year-old's versatility is a very useful tool for Smith.

It's been telling that the Villa manager has been more than happy to throw Ramsey into the deep end in difficult circumstances against the Premier League's top teams like he did against the Champions League winners last week.

Lots of Villa fans have already voiced their delight about Ramsey when he signed his new contract earlier this year, and this latest claim about how he could save the club "millions" is sure to have them buzzing even more at the prospect of him developing into a top-class star at Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Villa must try and sign this star in January...