Aston Villa transfer ‘perfect’ for Motherwell gem Lennon Miller amid Celtic switch speculation
A summer transfer to Aston Villa and the opportunity to work under Unai Emery would be the “perfect” move for Lennon Miller, according to Alan Hutton.
The 17-year-old midfielder has impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season under Stuart Kettlwell, making 24 appearances in the league and laying on two assists to help Motherwell comfortably avoid the drop.
Miller’s exceptional performances in his first full season of senior football have seen him linked with a move away from Fir Park, with Premier League clubs alongside Rangers and Celtic supposedly interested in his services [Mark Guidi, 4 March].
Although Hutton thinks it could take some time for the teenager to adapt to the quality and pace of the Premier League, he thinks the midfielder could follow in Morgan Rogers’ footsteps and impress under Emery’s management.
“The potential is definitely there,” Hutton told Villa News
“He has had an outstanding season at Motherwell where he has really come onto the scene and lit up the league with some of his performances up here so I definitely think the potential is there.
“It would take time if a club like Villa were to come in. I don’t think it will be one of those where he would come in and instantly be in the team, it’s about getting used to it.
“You saw when John McGinn came in, it was easier for him to integrate into the team because we were in the Championship at the time and then he moved up the levels. To move to that level of team at this moment in time, you’ll have to take your time.
“He’s a young guy so he is always going to have to learn and I think Unai Emery would be the perfect person for him. You look at the likes of Morgan Rogers who has come in and how well he has done under the manager.
“Of course, he’s got the ability to come down and do well.”
Will Aston Villa and Unai Emery win the transfer race for Motherwell gem Lennon Miller?
While Villa and Emery will be desperate to sign some Champions League-ready players this summer having booked their place in the top four, they will also be keen to do business to set themselves up for the future.
Although Miller has never played outside of Scotland, the teenager has taken to senior football like a duck to water. He may not be ready to come in and play week in and week out in the Premier League, but he will be soon.
If Villa get this deal over the line ahead of their competitors in the Premier League they could have a ready-made replacement for the likes of McGinn or Douglas Luiz if they are poached by teams higher up the pyramid.
As Hutton suggests the 17-year-old has had an outstanding season and that should be enough for Emery and Villa to take a punt on him.
In other Aston Villa news, Gary Neville has slammed Diego Carlos for a “shocker” of an incident in the draw with Liverpool
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