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Aston Villa want to sign record-breaking striker Makise Evans amid transfer interest from Chelsea
Aston Villa have expressed an interest in signing Stevenage’s record-breaking striker Makise Evans but they are likely to face some stiff competition for his services.
The Daily Mirror reported on Monday (24 April, page 44) that the Villans, alongside Chelsea, Brighton and West Ham, were tracking the starlet’s progress with the League Two side.
At just 16 years and 248 days, the striker is the youngest-ever player to make an appearance for Stevenage, while matching this feat when becoming the youngest goalscorer for non-league side Potters Bar when netting against Lewes while out on loan earlier this season.
The interest from Aston Villa comes as no surprise after the huge levels of investment pumped into the Bodymoor Heath set-up over the past few years, which included signatures such as starlet Rory Wilson from Rangers last year.
If he can put together stats like Wilson, this would be another masterclass with the young Scot averaging 0.95 goals per 90 minutes for the under-21s [FBRef].
Evans is yet to sign a professional contract at Stevenage after joining the club in September 2022 but only has one year remaining on his deal as a scholar.
This summer seems like the obvious time to strike for the teenager’s signature in the West Midlands, but Chelsea and their renowned Cobham Academy might have something to say about that.
The Blues have developed some of the brightest talents across the country in the past few years, with the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham all coming through their academy.
When considering Chelsea’s interest, as well as Brighton, who have seen the likes of Evan Ferguson rise the ranks at the AMEX Stadium, Villa would do well to get a deal for Evans over the line.
Ferguson was signed for only £530,000 but has become one of the deadliest in the Premier League, losing the ball fewer times and having better overall control than Ollie Watkins [WhoScored].
Stevenage boss Steve Evans gave the teenage sensation a huge vote of confidence last weekend when bringing him from the bench in the closing stages of their 1-0 defeat to Mansfield.
The fact that the striker is already being blooded into the first-team set-up at such a young age speaks volumes about the talent that Evans possesses.
Although Aston Villa will be confident they can offer the Stevenage scholar a deal worth taking at Villa Park, they should be wary of the riches that Chelsea can offer.
In other Aston Villa news, this “outstanding” outfielder is expected to quit the club for good in the summer transfer window.