Aston Villa believe they have edge in negotiations to sign £59m Man City star
Aston Villa now believe they have the edge in negotiations to sign an “unbelievable” star this month, but there could be competition from their Premier League rivals.
Villa keen to provide Watkins with support in attack
One week into the January transfer window, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Villa want to bring in new options in attacking areas, having identified a number of forwards as potential targets, including Marseille’s Robinio Vaz and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia.
In fact, the Villans have reportedly already tabled a bid for Garcia, with Unai Emery clearly keen to bring in another centre-forward, despite Ollie Watkins impressing over the past few weeks, with the Englishman bagging six goals in his last seven Premier League matches.
Watkins will be looking to continue his exceptional form when his side travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace this evening, with the likes of Emi Buendia, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers potentially playing provider.
Jadon Sancho, on the other hand, hasn’t hit the ground running at Aston Villa, failing to contribute a single goal or assist in all competitions this season, so it could make sense to bring in a new winger this month.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Villa believe making a January move for Man City’s Omar Marmoush could give them the edge in negotiations, especially if the Egyptian is eager to receive more consistent game time, having been a bit-part player this season.
Emery is keen to bolster his options this month, rather than waiting until the summer, but there could be competition for Marmoush’s signature, as Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for the forward, who joined City for £59m last January.
With Pep Guardiola hesitant to let the 26-year-old leave mid-season, however, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.
Marmoush may have to leave City after Semenyo's arrival
The Egypt international has only featured sporadically for the Blues this season, making ten Premier League appearances and often being utilised as a substitute, and his minutes could soon be limited even further, given that Antoine Semenyo is set to join City.
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Consequently, the £295k-a-week star may have to leave Guardiola’s side this month, and he could be a fantastic acquisition for Villa, who could do with a new forward, in light of Sancho’s disappointing form.
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After joining City last January, the former Eintracht Frankfurt man proved he has what it takes to deliver in the Premier League, picking up seven goals and two assists in 16 appearances.
Having also been dubbed “unbelievable” by Guardiola, Marmoush is clearly too good to be receiving such little game time, so it would make sense to move on this month, and a move to Aston Villa could be an exciting proposition, considering they are level on points with City.