Aston Villa transfer news: Jacob Ramsey warning issued after source’s £100m+ reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has warned Aston Villa against closing the pathways for young talent as they plan a £150million summer splurge.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it is “so important” to allow youngsters like Jacob Ramsey to flourish in a first-team berth.
Academy product Ramsey, 20, has caught the eye in his breakthrough season at Villa Park – scoring six goals and assisting one in 28 Premier League outings.
However, Football Insider revealed on 1 April that owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris will likely bankroll over £150m worth of new signings this summer after a disappointing campaign.
This site understands Gerrard has made it clear behind the scenes that he does not believe the current squad is up to the task and needs vast changes.
Whelan urged the Liverpool academy product to allow Villa’s “incredible” youth to continue making their mark in the first team.
“They’ve got some really incredible young talents coming through,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s so important to have these young players involved. Aston Villa have always been a team to have that pathway.
“Steven Gerrard will be well aware of how important it is to have players like Jacob Ramsey coming through. He came through the system at Liverpool himself.
“The last thing you want is to close up those pathways by making too many big signings.”
Aston Villa sit 11th in the Premier League – some 15 points adrift of a European berth.
Gerrard has won eight of his 19 Premier League matches since taking over at Villa Park in November.
In other news, ex-Premier League referee slams sneaky Aston Villa star as controversy analysed.