Phillips: Aston Villa could sign Hojbjerg-like star in January after Athletic update
Aston Villa could sign their own Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in Southampton’s Oriol Romeu.
That is the view of former Claret and Blue striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Steven Gerrard’s side bolstering their midfield in the January transfer window.
According to The Athletic (22 December), Villa may may look at a move for Romeu, 30, next month.
The centre-midfielder is said to have been tracked over the summer by the West Midlands club.
Romeu has 18 months left on his contract at St. Mary’s.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if Romeu would be a welcome addition, Phillips said: “I think Romeu would be a solid option for Villa.
“He reminds me a lot of Hojbjerg. He is an 8 out of 10 every week but he will never be that player who pulls up trees. I wouldn’t say he ever stands out but he does the nasty side of the game – the tough industrious side of things.
“Villa will know what they’re getting. Romeu is an organiser and a leader. If Villa could secure his services, it’d be smart business. He gives you a platform to build off and allows other more offensive players to play.
“The more I think about it the more he reminds me of Hojbjerg. It wouldn’t surprise me if he went and did well at Villa.”
Romeu started for Southampton in a 3-2 win over West Ham on Boxing Day.
Across all competitions, he has made 19 appearances this season.
In other news, a pundit has hailed Aston Villa defender ‘one of the best’ in Premier League after ‘surprising’ reveal.