Keinan Davis is wanted man. The Aston Villa striker is on the radar of five Championship sides as they wait for Villa to make the forward available for loan.
A loan would suit the striker but, at this stage of the transfer window, Villa are reluctant to let him leave. However, their stance could change as the window progresses.
According to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, Swansea City, Preston North End, Derby County, Stoke City and Huddersfield Town are set to battle it out for the striker.
Keinan Davis the Subject of a Five-Way Transfer Battle
Villa May be Open to Sanctioning a Temporary Exit
The striker has struggled in the Premier League, making most of his appearances from the bench. He is also yet to score a goal at Premier League level.
However, Dean Smith thinks of him highly and with Wesley still working his way back from injury, he is currently second choice behind Ollie Watkins. The Villa boss handed Davis a new four-year deal in September, emphasising his belief in the striker.
Villa’s stance on Davis could change, however, with the striker needing game time to aid his development. He has shown his physical attributes in the Premier League but has yet to find the net.
He was very good in the Championship, particularly under Steve Bruce in 2017/18 when they reached the play-off final. Dean Smith has used him sparingly this campaign with Davis making 15 appearances from the bench, totalling to just 47 minutes worth of football.
A temporary move away would certainly benefit all sides if Villa decide to let him leave.
Swansea City Among the Five Sides Monitoring Davis’ Situation
Should Villa sanction a move, the Championship is looking like Davis’ most likely destination. He isn’t short on suitors either, with several sides monitoring his situation.
Championship high flyers Swansea City are keeping a close eye. It appears Steve Cooper is after attacking reinforcements this window. The Swans have lost Morgan Gibbs-White after he was recalled by Wolves. They were dealt a further blow when primary target Michael Obafemi got injured during a Southampton training session.
Michael O’Neill is also chasing attacking reinforcements for his Stoke side as they look to maintain their promotion bid. While they have been efficient at the back, they have struggled for goals, especially since Tyrese Campbell picked up his season-ending injury.
Derby County have just been short on goals. Wayne Rooney’s side need attacking reinforcements if they are to avoid relegation. The Rams have the worst attack in the Championship, scoring just 14 times.
Huddersfield Town and Preston North End are both sat in mid-table. Both look likely to avoid relegation but struggle for consistency to mount a serious promotion bid. Preston have plenty of attacking options and adding Davis would further increase their firepower.
In contrast, Huddersfield have struggled to find a consistent goal scorer. They have relied on the likes of Fraizer Campbell and Josh Koroma. The Terriers let several forwards leave in the summer and Carlos Corberan failed to replace them leaving them light in attack.
Davis is not short of admirers but it’s down to Aston Villa to decide what to do with the 22-year-old striker.
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