Ex-Aston Villa Scout backs Unai Emery to sign Felipe Anderson amid Sky Sports speculation
Villa News is delighted to welcome aboard our brilliant new columnist Bryan King, the former goalkeeper who spent over 10 years as a scout at Aston Villa and 28 years in total in first-team scouting roles. Bryan also spent six years on Tottenham’s recruitment team and eight years scouting at Everton…
Bryan King believes Lazio winger Felipe Anderson could be an “ideal” attacking option for Unai Emery at Aston Villa.
According to Sky Sports News reporter Lyall Thomas (4 January), the Midlands club are showing an interest in the former West Ham man.
The reporter added that Villa are interested in a free transfer this summer, with the Lazio man free to speak to clubs outside Italy this month about a pre-contract agreement.
Speaking to Villa News, King said: “He’s going to be free, so that is one plus for him. He’s 30, so he’s still got three or four years at the top level.
“I don’t see why not, if that’s what they want, if that’s the kind of player they’re looking for as cover then I’d say it would be ideal. An old head in the team, as long as he has the respect of the other players, is worth using.”
Premier League followers will remember Anderson well, with the winger having made 73 appearances for West Ham United.
He netted 12 goals in that period, having also represented the likes of Santos and Porto throughout his successful career.
But a return to England could now be on the cards, although Villa may find competition for his signature this summer given that he will be available for free.
In other Aston Villa news, one Villa man delivered a timely 86% cameo against Everton recently, but he still has room to improve.
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