Hull City manager Mike Phelan is very keen on signing Ravel Morrison in the January transfer window to boost his midfield as the Tigers gear up to battle hard for survival in the Premier League. Recent reports have however indicated that to make matters worse for Phelan, both Championship clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United are prepared to rival the Tigers bid for the Lazio player.
It is very interesting to note that Morrison has actually had a disappointing time in Rome with just 8 appearances to show for in the last 18 months. With the Englishman being out of favour in Italy, a move to England is exactly what he needs in January.
Having previously played in the Championship, the midfielder does have the experience of playing in the Championship which will prove to be vital for the likes of both Newcastle and Villa. While Rafa Benitez already has a fantastic squad at his helm with some very talented players who impart a great deal of balance to the squad, Villa are in need of someone like Morrison who can provide the moments of magic from the middle third.
Newcastle are currently riding high in the Championship with 37 points from their 16 games sitting pretty at the top of the table, well on course for a quick return back into the top division. Villa, though, are in a bit of a bother in 14th place of the table with the second most expensive squad of the division.
The lack of creativity has been a real problem for the Villains which has translated to the lack of goals, something that had been continuing from last year. A player who is capable of dribbling past opponents with an eye for a neat through ball, the former graduate of the Manchester United academy fits into that mould.
The main problems, however are something which goes way beyond the actions on the pitch for the 23-year-old. His career has never been smooth due to his list of drawbacks, which ranges from his fitness issues, inconsistencies to poor work rate on the pitch and lack of intent and manners on the training ground.
In fact, whoever will be signing the player would be taking a massive gamble, which won’t be just about his performances but all those things mentioned earlier. Hull City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are in strong positions to get the best out of the talent nevertheless due to their respective managers. Rafa Benitez certainly can get his career back on track with his training methods and disciplinarian management just like Steve Bruce.
Finally, it looks like after wasting his talent for some time now, the former West Ham man will be having the opportunity to get things back on track if he makes a move to England this winter.
