Aston Villa opinion: Joe Lolley would be a fantastic fit at Villa Park

According to a report from the Birmingham Mail, newly-promoted Aston Villa are plotting a £10m bid for Nottingham Forest star, Joe Lolley.

The 26-year-old was one of Nottingham Forest’s standout performers last season. He made 42 starts and four substitute appearances in the Championship for Forest, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists in the process.

The Midlands club are now ready to pounce on Lolley, following promotion to the Premier League.

The Villans have shown their intent in the summer transfer window and are planning to stay in the top-flight for a long time now.

They have signed Wesley Moraes and Jota, whilst turning the loan deals of Kortney Hause and Anwar El Ghazi permanent from Wolves and Lille respectively. Dean Smith remains keen to strengthen his squad further, having already released a lot of players this summer.

Last season’s star performers Tammy Abraham, Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzebe have all returned back to their parent clubs, following the expiry of their loan spells.

Out of the trio, Abraham’s departure has left a huge void in the squad which Smith needs to fill this summer. He was the club’s chief source for goals and whether the Villa manager would be able to replace him remains to be seen.

Albert Adomah is one of the host of players the Midlands club has released earlier this month. Adomah isn’t the most technically gifted player but his energy, work rate off the ball and determination was second to none.

Smith must replace the Ghanaian as well and he would do a great job by securing the signature of Joe Lolley.

It isn’t a big shock to see Lolley attract so much interest this summer. The 26-year-old won Forest’s Player of the Season award last term, after scoring 12 goals and producing 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds.

Lolley is a pacey, skilful and creative right-winger, who can also play on the other wing. He has good composure on the ball, ability to pick a pass in the final third and spatial awareness.

Versatile, an efficient passer of the ball, quick with a good eye for goal, the 26-year-old would add real quality out wide for Aston Villa.

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All in all, Lolley can potentially form an exciting attack with the likes of El Ghazi, Jack Grealish and Jota at Villa Park.

Verdict

Lolley signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with Forest in February, which means Martin O’Neill and co. have no hurry of selling their prized asset.

But if Villa are serious about staying in the Premier League beyond 2019/20 season then they must do everything possible to sign the 26-year-old winger this summer.