Aston Villa: Suitors line up for big money fringe players

A trio of Aston Villa players have seen their names dragged in the English papers. Club owner Tony Xia should be reluctant to see these players moved unless their valuation is met on a permanent deal.

Jordan Amavi is again a wanted man.

Jurgen Klopp’s exciting, all-out-attack Liverpool squad is looking for another left back to supplement ex-Villan, James Milner. The Mirror is stating The Reds want Amavi on loan with an option to buy at season’s end. Like many clubs, Liverpool want an extended look at how Amavi’s right knee holds up over the rigors of a full season. Reportedly, Sevilla were worried that a repeat injury is possible.

After featuring in two consecutive pre-season matches, Jordan Veretout has a new club circling his name. Real Betis – who at one point were interested in the departed Carles Gil – want Veretout. However, it’s uncertain how Betis plan to meet Veretout’s £6 million + valuation. For one, they did not meet Carles Gil’s, forcing Aston Villa to loan the Spaniard back to Deportivo La Coruna.

It might be in Aston Villa’s best interest to hold onto Jordan Veretout as an extra central midfielder. Instead of transferring  the aging Glenn Whelan, utilize Veretout’s talent.

Lastly, we finally have a rumor on Ross McCormack.

New Sunderland manager Simon Grayson is keen on Villa forward Ross McCormack. Sunderland lost both Jermain Defoe to Bournemouth and Fabio Borini to A.C. Milan. Goals get clubs back to the Premier League, as we’ve seen with Newcastle United’s 80+ contributions.

Next: 3 takeaways from Villa pre-season victories

Steve Bruce could be tempted to sell McCormack, but it would need to be closer to the £11 million handed out last summer. An offer of £7-8 million would mitigate the risk McCormack never finds his form again at Villa Park.

Then again, it would leave the strike force a bit light until Jonathan Kodjia returns.