Aston Villa could be eyeing up a surprise move for a player who hugely impressed down the road last season…
What’s the word?
According to the Beautiful Game Podcast (via Birmingham Mail), the Midlands outfit are interested in signing West Ham winger Grady Diangana this season following his spectacular spell on loan to local rivals West Bromwich Albion.
The likes of Southampton, Fulham and the Baggies themselves have all been linked with the 22-year-old and now the Villans have entered the race.
Meanwhile, Football Insider have claimed that the Hammers could let their young academy graduate depart east London if their £25m valuation is met, so it’s now all on those interested clubs.
Bye-bye Jota
Just a year on from joining, Jota is heading closer towards the exit door with AS reporting that the 29-year-old has numerous suitors in his home country, including Granada and Valladolid.
Perhaps it’s time to move in on and bring in some fresh blood in the shape of Diangana.
The tricky yet enigmatic speedster was electric at the Hawthorns as Slaven Bilic’s men secured promotion from the Championship, he provided eight goals and six assists whilst averaging 2.4 dribbles, 1.6 shots and 1.4 key passes per game, via WhoScored.
Such performances have led to pundits waxing lyrical over his credentials and they go to show why he’d be a hit at Villa Park next season.
Villa legend Lee Hendrie believes he can be a “total nightmare” for the opposition to defend against whilst Keith Andrews labelled the 22-year-old as “explosive” – what players does Dean Smith currently have that match this besides Jack Grealish?
The answer is probably none.
Therefore, it would make perfect sense for Johan Lange to bring the energetic wide man to Villa this summer.
AND in other news, Smith eyeing La Liga STAR to bolster leaky defence…