Unai Emery is working tirelessly to add further additions to his Aston Villa squad ahead of transfer deadline day.
Aston Villa are still looking to sign players for two key positions; a centre-back to challenge for a starting place and an attacking talent.
Emery’s most prominent target in defence is Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geetruida, while after missing out on Joao Felix to Chelsea, the Villans are monitoring a move for Raheem Sterling.
Enzo Maresca has banished Sterling from first-team training at Stamford Bridge and the 29-year-old is pushing for a move before the window slams shut.
Previously dubbed ‘world-class’ by Frank Lampard, the four-time Premier League title winner would add invaluable experience to Emery’s young squad.
Sterling is also a seasoned Champions League talent, having featured in the competition 82 times while supplying 44 goal contributions.
While his wages could be a sticking point, there is an acceptance that signing the winger would be a statement, one that wouldn’t go down particularly well with some current Villa stars.
Three players who could struggle if Aston Villa sign Raheem Sterling
Jacob Ramsey
A product of Aston Villa’s academy, Jacob Ramsey wouldn’t be pleased if Sterling was signed by Emery this summer.
The 23-year-old is currently battling for a place on the left flank with the likes of John McGinn and Morgan Rogers.
That is a position Sterling has predominantly played throughout his career and would arrive with the assurances of starting regularly, particularly in the Premier League.
For Ramsey, who grabbed the assist for Jhon Duran’s winner from the bench last weekend, competition for a place in the side will either be seen as healthy or as a frustration, with the Englishman desperate to play more.
Jaden Philogene
Jaden Philogene returned to the club from Hull City this summer and is currently seen as an impact option from the bench.
He was introduced for the final 15 minutes of their clash against the Hammers, replacing Leon Bailey on the right flank.
Bailey’s place in the starting XI is nailed but for Philogene, a regular spot in the squad is far from certain and acquiring Sterling would give the 22-year-old an extra worry to encounter.
The Chelsea winger is adept at playing on both wings and during his time in West London, he’s played mostly on the right.
So, if he is signed, Emery could see him as competition on the right for both Bailey and Philogene, which wouldn’t be good news for the latter.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers was used as an attacking midfielder in the 2-1 win over West Ham and the 22-year-old made a great impression.
He carried the ball forward with his pace and power while striking fear into the opposition’s defence.
The key reason why Rogers would fear Sterling arriving is because it could impact his place in the starting XI.
If Sterling took his spot on the left or right flank, Emery would have to decide whether to drop one of McGinn or Rogers.
Given McGinn is the club captain, the Scotsman would probably start in an advanced midfield role and that is a position his teammate occupies. It could therefore see the youngsters minutes in the starting XI reduced, depending on how the Spaniard lines up.
