Transfer news latest as Nottingham Forest and Everton consider bids for an Aston Villa star.
Nottingham Forest are eyeing an ambitious swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to a reputable new report.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side recently sanctioned Anthony Elanga’s £55 million move to Newcastle United and Gibbs-White is expected to join Tottenham Hotspur after the England international’s £60 million release clause was activated. Forest, preparing for a highly anticipated Europa League campaign and eager to maintain their momentum in the Premier League, are looking to spend those funds wisely.
Ramsey, predominantly a left midfielder but also capable of playing as a number eight or a number 10, could be a good replacement for Gibbs-White. The 24-year-old isn’t as direct as Elanga as a winger but could fill the creative and powerful void soon to be left by Gibbs-White upon his departure for Spurs.
Nottingham Forest eye surprise swoop for Aston Villa gem
It may not be long until there’s movement on the Ramsey front as The Telegraph reports Forest have made the Villa star their ‘priority summer target’. The City Ground outfit are said to have a long-standing interest in Ramsey and could follow that up with an official approach during this transfer window.
Mail Sport reported last month that Villa have placed a £40 million price tag on Ramsey. Birmingham World understands that the Villans don’t need to sanction any significant departures this summer after agreeing to the sale of their women’s team to ease concerns of a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR). That doesn’t mean Ramsey isn’t for sale, though, with offers to at least be listened to.
As Ramsey is an academy product, his exit would represent pure profit on their balance sheet and could help their case if and when PSR issues prop up again next June. If Villa are able to cash in for the reported £40 million asking price, that could be a significant boost.
Everton could challenge Forest for Ramsey
Forest aren’t alone in their pursuit of Ramsey as the report from The Telegraph suggests Everton and West Ham United retain an interest. The Toffees and the Hammers are said to be behind Forest in the running but could yet change that if they decide to make official approaches to Villa.
The likes of Newcastle and Tottenham have been linked with a potential move for Ramsey in the past, though the Elanga and Gibbs-White deals might mean their respective interests have cooled. It awaits to be seen if Ramsey would be open to a transfer to Forest, Everton or West Ham but we could soon find out.
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