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Keinan Davis exit from Aston Villa all but done as millions agreed
Aston Villa are seemingly set to further boost the income raked in from home-grown academy talent this transfer window.
Sunday Mirror editor Darren Witcoop took to Twitter on Friday (1 September) to confirm striker Keinan Davis is close to joining Udinese.
Witcoop noted that the Serie A club, who recently sold forward Beto to Everton, will pay £2million to Villa in what he described as a “shrewd bit of business”.
Davis was a man in demand, with Championship trio Hull City, Swansea City and City Stoke City all named as interested parties for the 25-year-old’s signature.
It marks the continuation of a theme for Villa this window, who have largely funded their summer transfer activity by cashing in their academy graduates.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey remained in Claret and Blue colours by swapping Villa Park for Turf Moor in a deal the Daily Mail (23 August) reported to be worth £14million.
Cameron Archer’s switch to Sheffield United (27 August), who like Burnley were promoted to the Premier League last term, was said to be even more lucrative with BBC Sport saying the Blades had paid £18m for the striker, who spent time on loan at Middlesbrough last season.
And the Athletic (31 August) wrote that Jaden Philogene has agreed terms on a £5m move to Championship outfit Hull City.
It means Villa have raked in well in excess of £30m on selling home-grown players this summer, a tactic that has financial benefits but may disappoint some supporters who want to see “one of their own” adorning the Villa Park pitch.
In Davis’ specific situation, you have to say a move makes sense, though. He has had loan spells at both Nottingham Forest and Watford over the past two seasons and opportunities to the first team at Villa look scarce, particularly if Ollie Watkins stays fit.
Only time will really tell if Villa have made the right decision to sell so many players from their own academy, though.
In other Aston Villa news, Philippe Coutinho has chosen his preferred destination as his exit nears.