According to fresh reports, Aston Villa are facing stiff competition for one of their mooted summer transfer targets, but they should probably let him move elsewhere...

What's the word?

As per Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur (via the Mirror), Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce have made the first move to sign Liverpool outcast Divock Origi this window.

They want to sign the 25-year-old on loan but it could involve an obligation to buy of around £14m.

He also claims that Villa are one of the Premier League sides keen on signing Origi, along with Fulham, Brighton and Newcastle United.

Steer clear

The Belgian is a bit of a cult hero over at Anfield following his 2019 Champions League exploits, but aside from that, he's done very little to warrant this interest.

Last season, Origi featured in 34 matches, though only eight were starts. He bagged four goals in the league and averaged a disappointing 0.5 shots and 0.4 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

These are figures well below that of Wesley in terms of goals and even Mbwana Samatta, who fired off over double the number of shots as the Reds backup.

In the past, there has been high praise for Origi, ranging from former Wolfsburg sporting director Olaf Rebbe claiming he's "dangerous" and "quick" to fellow compatriot and Premier League legend Vincent Kompany describing him as a "monster."

However with four strikers now on the books following the arrival of Ollie Watkins, a swoop for Origi at £14m reeks of being a nightmare as he could well struggle to get into Dean Smith's XI let alone Jurgen Klopp's.

The 25-year-old is also on £45k-per-week in Merseyside, so it's not a cheap move at all and it is one that Johan Lange must absolutely avoid unless he wants to walk the club into another striker disaster.

AND in other news, Smith can complete his attack with £23m move for the next Alexis Sanchez...