Pundit shares new Jacob Ramsey transfer verdict after Aston Villa absence amid January transfer links
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton has suggested that Jacob Ramsey’s reported absence against Newcastle United, partnered with recent transfer speculation could indicate that he is set to leave Aston Villa this month.
David Ornstein reported on Monday (29 January) that Newcastle United had made an approach for the Aston Villa midfielder, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich also holding an interest, but it will take a fee upwards of £50million to secure his services.
However, Emery had confirmed that the 22-year-old may not be available for Villa’s clash with Newcastle United on Tuesday (30 January) night, with a hamstring injury preventing him from featuring against Eddie Howe’s side before he was named among the substitutes.
While Hutton admits that he would like to keep Ramsey at Villa Park beyond the end of the January transfer window, he does accept that it is suspicious that the midfielder isn’t available to face the Magpies following their transfer approach.
“It always kind of works out this way,” Hutton told Villa News.
“I’m reading reports that he’s not in the squad for tonight that he’s got a little hamstring injury. Do you put two and two together, are you getting four or are you getting six? It’s one of those interesting ones.
“I want him to stay, I think he’s an excellent addition to that first team. He’s still so young and I think he’s only going to get better.
“For him to leave and go to Newcastle, which would be a good move in terms of what they’re trying to build, I understand that they’re a big club. But I think Villa at this moment in time are in front.”
Fitness and injury issues have seen Ramsey limited to only four starts in the Premier League this season and while he has impressed in his limited game time, a big offer could see Aston Villa forced to sell their academy product either in January or the summer.
Hopefully, Emery’s side will be able to hold out until at least the end of the season and ward off any potential suitors, but it feels like speculation over the 22-year-old’s future will only mount while he remains rooted to the treatment table.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has addressed Rogers’ links with West Brom as he nears a January switch to Villa Park
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