Journalist Pete O'Rourke has tipped Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to make the move to Aston Villa this summer.

What's the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected insider suggested that both Villa - as well as West Ham United - could be a good fit for the Englishman, amid reports that he is set to leave Anfield this summer.

Following speculation linking the 28-year-old to Villa Park, Jones admitted that he can see the former Arsenal man thriving for the Midlands outfit: “I think they’d [Villa and West Ham] be two good landing spots for Oxlade-Chamberlain if he does end up leaving this summer, two ambitious clubs. I think Oxlade-Chamberlain could add a lot to both sides as an attacking midfielder.”

The 35-cap international is likely to depart the Reds in the coming months with just a year remaining on his existing deal, with rumours suggesting that he could be available for as little as £10m.

Gerrard's own De Bruyne

That could prove to be a bargain fee for a player who was signed by Jurgen Klopp from the Gunners for £35m back in 2017, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard able to welcome in a player with vast experience and undoubted talent.

Dubbed a "rough diamond" by one journalist following his move to Merseyside, Oxlade-Chamberlain remains something of an enigma at times and has been hampered by injury in recent years, although when fit and available he remains one of the most effective midfielders in the division.

That point is rubberstamped by his impressive statistical record from the past year, as he compares favourably to those in his position across Europe's top five leagues, ranking in the top 4% for progressive carries and progressive passes received, the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area, as well as in the top 8% for dribbles completed.

That would illustrate a player who thrives upon driving his side up the pitch and attempting to make the difference in the final third, with such abilities having also seen him compared to Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, as per FBref, with regards to their stylistic and statistical similarities.

While Oxlade-Chamberlain's three goal contributions in the league last term were dwarfed by the Belgian's 15 goals and eight assists, that in part has to do with the Liverpool man's lack of game time, with linking up with Gerrard and co likely to bolster his chances of regular football.

Like De Bruyne, 'The Ox' is at his best when handed the chance to start in that inside right channel as part of a midfield three, with his ability to break the lines and surge forward from deep making him a real menace for any side.

The City man remains the talisman in a team full of stars under Pep Guardiola and there's no reason why the Englishman can't be an equally as vital figure at Villa next term if he is to make the move, with his displays only set to improve under the guidance of Gerrard - a man the £125k-per-week gem has admitted to idolizing.

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