Kevin Phillips is adamant there would be departures at Aston Villa were the club to sign Liverpool striker Divock Origi this summer.
The 2000 European Golden Shoe winner, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed that the 25-year-old would “improve any squad” and would be a “great signing” by Dean Smith.
According to The Sun, the Claret and Blues are considering a swoop for the Belgium international as Smith looks to bolster his attacking options for next season.
Origi, who scored six goals in 42 appearances, is tied down at Anfield until the summer of 2024 after he put pen to paper on a five-year contract last summer.
Phillips suggested that one or more of Wesley, Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis would be surplus to requirements at Villa Park was the Premier League winner to arrive.
“It is an area that Villa really struggled in last season,” he told Football Insider.
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“I like Divock Origi. Whenever he plays he puts in a performance. He has never let Liverpool down when he has come on.
“But whether he is a central striker I am undecided. He likes to drift out wide onto that left-hand side.
“He has certainly got ability though so if Dean Smith could capture he that would be a fantastic signing. Origi will improve any squad.
“If he gets brought in though, a few players will have to move on. That is only natural.”
Villa signed Brazilian striker Wesley last summer in a club-record £22.5million deal but his injury was cut short after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament on New Year’s Day.
He had scored six goals in 22 appearances that season prior to the injury.
In other Aston Villa news, Alex Bruce has told Football Insider that the club could pull off a “massive coup” as they reportedly work on a mega-money deal.
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By: Football Insider speaking to Kevin Phillips
Title: Aston Villa news: Phillips expects exits at Villa Park after transfer report
Sourced From: www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-kevin-phillips-tips-villa-exits-after-reported-swoop-for-fantastic-pl-giants-striker/
Published Date: Sun, 09 Aug 2020 11:12:42 +0000
