When you assess Aston Villa’s season, it’s difficult to pick a gaping hole in their squad.
As a result, spending in the January transfer window could be a rather limited affair for Dean Smith and Johan Lange.
What’s the word?
It’s been quiet on the transfer front for the Villans since the window opened. Rico Henry has
continuously been linked but at long last, we have a potential incoming to report of.
It won’t be a marquee addition but it will be one to provide more competition and inject further youthful exuberance into the first-team picture.
That’s because according to
La Lazio Siamo Noi (via Sport Witness) Aston Villa are in the hunt to sign Norwegian starlet Sivert Mannsverk.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye in his homeland and is set to be available for a meagre €2m (£1.7m), but it won’t be a straightforward chase.
It’s reported that Arsenal are in the race for Mannsverk’s signature, while Brighton also have an interest in the talented midfielder.
Bologna and Ajax are keen but it’s Lazio who have already made contact to sign him. He has many willing suitors because of his “personality, talent, and good physique.”
Forget Ramsey
One of the most pleasing aspects of Villa’s season so far has been the emergence of Jacob Ramsey. The 19-year-old made his first Premier League start against Wolves last month and looked immensely comfortable, completing
two dribbles and registering two shots.
It was a dynamic performance that typified Ramsey, but his progress to first-team stardom could be halted if Mannsverk is signed.
The teenager is already the captain of his club and has superb leadership skills, producing goals and assists in impressive numbers for his age.
During 2020, he registered
five goals and also provided five assists for his teammates. Capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or further forward in attacking phases, he is a versatile individual and that should stand him in good stead if he moves to England.
He could also be assured that Smith would use him. This Villa squad is already particularly young, with the hierarchy prioritising bringing players to the club that they can develop, rather than individuals who are past their best.
It’s a task breaking into this Villa midfield but Mannsverk has a bright future ahead of him. Whether his ceiling is higher than Ramsey’s, however, remains to be seen.
