Aston Villa are reportedly ready to pounce on another player this summer in an unexpected move.
Unai Emery and Monchi will be satisfied with Aston Villa’s presence in the summer transfer window so far.
The Midlands club weathered their PSR storm by making sufficient sales, as well as welcoming seven new faces to Emery’s squad.
With Champions League football fast approaching, those in B6 will be hoping to maximise the quality in the team, with one winner of the tournament now linked.
Aston Villa submit offer to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City
Despite bolstering the midfield in the market with the signings of Enzo Barrenechea, Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley, Emery is still keen to strengthen the position.
In a surprising twist, reports have now suggested that Aston Villa have submitted an offer to Manchester City to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan.
The 28-year-old has had a torrid time at City since signing in 2022, with Villa now reportedly keen to acquire his services.
Given how poor Phillips’ luck has been over the past few years, many will turn their noses up at the speculation although, Emery clearly has a vision if reports are to be believed.
Would Phillips be a good fit for Unai Emery’s squad?
Many adopted a comical view of Gareth Southgate’s notice of Phillips’ absence at Euro 2024, as the former England boss admitted his side didn’t have a ‘natural replacement’ for the City outsider.
Given the lack of game time and chance to impress the reported target has had since joining City, former Villa captain Southgate made a point that was taken as an insult to many.
It’s easy to forget what the former Leeds United star once had in his locker, with a recent half-season loan spell at West Ham not helping his cause whatsoever.
Still, Emery must see a plan for the 28-year-old, which could be a smart move for the Premier League side if the Spaniard can unlock Phillips’ past form.
Being a player stripped bare of confidence after a frankly humiliating time at the London Stadium, the Villa boss could be the ideal figure to rebuild Phillips into what he once was.
Despite making the midfield signings that they have, Emery and Monchi’s work in midfield is still not done, with the squad low on depth in the number six role.
New arrival Onana can fill such void, with Barrenechea offering the same however, beyond the duo, there stands only the injured Boubacar Kamara and the likely departing, Leander Dendoncker.
It would be fascinating to see Villa approach Phillips this summer, with there a project with a high reward if Emery can kickstart the Englishman’s career.
