Is Jack Marriott checking-in to B6?
By Jack Nason
Yesterday, Birmingham Mail reported that Aston Villa have been linked with Peterborough United’s striker, Jack Marriott. The 23-year-old has scored thirteen goals in 21 appearances this season for ‘The Posh’. With the two sides set to meet in the FA Cup Third Round next month, could Villa fans turn scouts for a future signing?
With long-term injuries to key players, such as Jonathan Kodjia, it is common knowledge that Aston Villa are light in the attacking department. Youngster Keinan Davis has been a revelation this year. Nevertheless, the consensus amongst a number of supporters suggests that a 19-year-old should not be burdened with leading a promotion-chaser’s attack. Already, the club has been linked with other young forwards, notably Oli McBurnie. The former has not yet managed to break through to the senior set-up at Swansea. Marriott, who is a couple of years older, is, however, playing regular first-team football albeit in League One.
Any Deal Would Be Complicated
Financial Fair Play restrictions are causing a headache for Steve Bruce and his recruitment team. Marriott offers goals for a potentially much cheaper price than the likes of former-Villan Christian Benteke. Supporters have wishfully banded his name around this week. Nonetheless, ‘The Posh’ are chasing promotion from League One themselves. They sit in tenth position, six points away from a play-off place. Marriott’s goals have been vital for the club. No other player notching up more than five in the league thus far this season.
Naturally, this would dramatically increase the price of any permanent deal for the forward. With the aforementioned restrictions imposed on Bruce’s outfit, it seems unlikely that any deal will be possible in January. Rather, as the Birmingham Mail argues, any transfer could rely on a loan-to-buy basis.
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With rumours and previous suggesting that Bruce could make use of the loan market to secure the services of a young Premier League striker in January, could Marriott’s form prove a better possibility with less risk and more experience?
The transfer rumours continue…