Aston Villa told to sign Bellingham after what happened at Portsmouth
Aston Villa should look to test the resolve of Sunderland and seek a deal for ex-Birmingham City youngster Jobe Bellingham, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to Villa News, has responded to the latest reports linking Unai Emery’s side with the 19-year-old former Blues academy product [TBR Football, 11 December].
Bellingham – younger brother of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude – has already played 91 senior club matches, all at Championship level or in domestic cups.
“I’ve seen Jobe Bellingham play for Sunderland a few times this season and when I saw him down at Fratton Park against Portsmouth, I thought this guy will play in the Premier League,” Darke recalled.
“He plays a bit deeper than his brother has done the majority of the time for Real Madrid, but he’s dynamic. If you have a Villa midfield with him and Rogers in it running at defences, and then Onana as well, you’ve got a lot of power there.
“Of course, if they wanted to go into that market, Villa wouldn’t be the only suitors for Bellingham and Sunderland will want to keep him around for their promotion challenge. They’ve looked a little flimsy in that area at times, although Kamara coming back is a big boost.”
Aston Villa surveying potential midfield additions
Aston Villa have enjoyed some well-fought wins of late but are still not quite in the inspired form in which they began the season – which could alter their initial January business plan.
Alongside Bellingham, the Villans have been linked with a move for Juventus ace Nicolo Fagioli [TBR Football, 6 December], though the return of Boubacar Kamara will help Emery.
One attacking midfield man who could depart in the winter window is Emi Buendia, who Jacob Tanswell reports [13 December] could be set for an exit having played just 37 league minutes this season so far.
In other Aston Villa news, Bryan King comments on a possible audacious move for Marcus Rashford.
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