Liverpool striker Divock Origi is on the radar of Aston Villa, according to The Mirror.
It has been reported that Villa manager Dean Smith wants to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, and that Origi is an option if the Reds are willing to let him go.
While some Villa fans may be sceptical about Origi, as he has not pulled up any trees in the Premier League, previous comments from Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers will encourage them in terms of the ability and talent he has.
Rodgers worked with the Belgian at Liverpool, and last year, the former Celtic boss raved about the 25-year-old.
The Liverpool Echo quoted Rodgers as saying about Origi in May 2019 in the wake of his goal for Liverpool against Newcastle United: “Divock is a big talent. He is one that when we signed him, part of the deal was that he had to stay at Lille. He had broken through to the Belgian team as a youngster, showed his talents and we spotted him.
“We had him at Melwood, the scouting team there had a wonderful presentation showing him from 15 years of age and we showed him how we would like to progress his game.
“He is a great talent. He hasn’t been allowed to show it as much as he would like because of the talent that is there, but he has shown his talent in the week and against Newcastle on the weekend as well.”
Good signing for Aston Villa?
Origi is not a prolific goalscorer, and the Belgium international is essentially a squad player at Liverpool.
However, the 25-year-old has shown from time to time that he can turn up in the big games, as he scored against Barcelona in the semi-finals and against Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Champions League in 2018-19.
If played to his strengths and if played regularly, then the 25-year-old will score goals, which Villa will need next season if they are to avoid another relegation dogfight.
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