Latest reports claim that Southampton are among a number of Premier League outfits to have taken an interest in Aston Villa’s Keinan Davis. The Claret and Blues are currently stressed over Financial Fair Play regulations and are listening to offers for some of their best players, including Jack Grealish, Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan.
If the latter duo quits Villa Park this summer, Steve Bruce will be severely depleted in the attacking lineup with just Davis as his starting choice. However, if the 20-year-old is also sold, we are potentially looking at a complete disaster for Aston Villa in the Championship 2018/19 season.
Davis had appeared in 33 games for the Villans last term during which he contributed with 4 goals and 4 assists. He is expected to shoulder greater responsibilities next season as the Birmingham-based outfit looks to adhere to FFP rules.
Ross McCormack is an outcast who is bound to be sold off sooner rather than later. There has to be some sort of provisions laid down to prevent the occurrence of the projected catastrophe.
Villa hardly has the cash to go after permanent deals and maybe should consider a couple of loan deals. In the meanwhile, Bruce should be quick to knock away interests for his young centre-forward.
Davis has managed to impress with his high work rate and enthusiasm to attack the opposition box. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, he already has a solid physical structure to beat out the top level competition.
The Englishman is developing into a prime attacking talent and will only get better with more regular involvement for the Villa senior team. With 3 caps to his name for the England U20s, Davis has the potential to become a leading figure at Villa Park next term.
He grew up in the youth ranks of Stevenage and Biggleswade Town before signing his first professional contract with Villa in December 2015. He made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup last season which Villa lost by 2 goals to nil.
Steve Bruce did manage to appear in the final of the promotion playoffs last term after finishing in the 4th spot of the EFL Championship. Unfortunately, a place could not be earned in next season’s Premier League and Aston Villa missed out on the opportunity to earn a massive financial reward.
Now, the 57-year-old manager has a task on his hands to replicate the same performances from last season with most of his star players gone from the club ranks. He cannot afford to lose Davis as well and should immediately reject any bids from Southampton if there are any in the near future.
