El Ghazi tipped to dazzle under Moyes after source’s West Ham reveal – pundit
Aston Villa forward Anwar El Ghazi would be “a very clever signing” from West Ham in January, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Villa and England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, urged David Moyes’s side to capitalise on the fact that the 26-year-old is almost certainly surplus to requirements under Steven Gerrard.
El Ghazi was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Brentford.
Steven Gerrard is yet to hand the Dutch winger a start since his appointment in November.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider (1 January) that the club are considering a move for El Ghazi this month as they look to sign a new forward.
Football Insider revealed on 29 November that El Ghazi is one of three attackers Villa could sell, along with Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet the others.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the latest, Phillips said: “Yes, I think that would be a very clever signing.
“Is he really in Steven Gerrard plans? I don’t think so. He has come off the bench but he’s not been given a start. It suggests to me that he’s not in the plans.
“El Ghazi has Premier League experience and on his day he can be a real handful. He can run at people and chips in with goals.
“I think he’d turn out to be a shrewd signing for a number of clubs going into the second half of the season.”
El Ghazi has contributed three goals and three assists in 11 appearances this season.
He has 18 months left on his contract at Villa Park.
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