Likely destination named after forward’s rise pushes Aston Villa striker out

An Aston Villa striker could leave on loan in January with a view to a permanent exit after the emergence of a young forward scoring goals for fun, per a report.

After selling Jack Grealish for a British record £100m fee, Aston Villa wasted little time rejuvenating several departments in their squad. The need to replace Grealish’s creativity and firepower was evident. And getting ahead of the game, Villa signed both Leon Bailey and Danny Ings the day before Grealish’s officially departed.

Ings has slotted into a two-man frontline alongside Ollie Watkins in recent matches. Once up to speed, that pair will be a handful for any Premier League defence.

But bubbling under the surface is impressive 19-year-old Cameron Archer. The Villa academy graduate has bagged seven goals in seven matches across all competitions and age groups this year.

He notched a hat-trick in the EFL Cup versus Barrow before finding the net in the next round at Chelsea.

Now, per Birmingham Live, Archer’s rise is a factor behind Villa once again being open to severing ties with Keinan Davis.

They report the 22-year-old had been on course for a loan exit in the summer. Stoke City’s Michael O’Neill previously hinted at the club’s interest.

But an untimely knee injury scuppered the move, ensuring Davis remained at Villa park for the time being.

However, the article claims a January loan exit could now be pursued ahead of a ‘permanent switch away’.

Given their previous interest over the summer, Stoke would appear to be the frontrunners at this stage.

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‘Agent’ Martinez guiding Argentine winger to Villa

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are reportedly fast emerging as favourites to land one of Argentina’s brightest young talents – thanks in no small part to Emi Martinez.

 Villa were reported to be competing with AC Milan for River Plate attacker Julian Alvarez. The 21-year-old has already notched seven goals in 11 league appearances this term.

However, it seems the pair are not alone in their pursuit of Alvarez. As per Calciomercato, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Tottenham are also in the hunt.

The forward, however, reportedly prefers a switch to the Premier League. And to that end, Villa are seemingly ahead of Spurs in the race.

That’s because Villa keeper Martinez is reported to have spoken warmly with Alvarez about life at Villa Park. Villa first targeted the Argentine in July.

However, with his deal expiring at the end of the season, they are reportedly preparing a fresh approach after their summer interest came to nothing.

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