Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has spoken about striker Ross McCormack and his future at the club.
Dean Smith has confirmed that ‘there could be a deal close’ for striker Ross McCormack to leave Aston Villa during the January transfer window.
Smith, who will be preparing for Villa’s FA Cup third round tie against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, spoke about the Villa outcast prior to the weekend game.
Former Scotland international McCormack moved to Villa Park during the summer of 2016 following the club’s relegation to the second tier of English football.
Smith admitted that McCormack, who has not played for the club in nearly two years, is nearing an exit which could see him move out on loan to Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, as reported by the Express & Star.
“I believe there could be another loan in order (for Ross),” said Smith, as quoted by the Express & Star. “I have not spoken to him. I have not actually met him yet. Richard O’Kelly has three or four players on loan he keeps in touch with. JT has the others.
“They keep me updated with what is happening with them. I’m led to believe there could be a deal close.”
During his time at Villa Park, McCormack only scored three goals for the club as the Roberto Di Matteo signing struggled to make a name for himself in the Midlands.
Despite his troubles at Villa, the Glasgow-born player’s record in the second tier of English football is pretty strong – he has played 333 games, scoring 120 goals for the likes of Fulham and Leeds.
For Smith, the former Brentford boss will be turning his attention to cup action as his side struggle to find consistency in their race for promotion.
Swansea will visit Villa Park for the second time this season – they suffered a 1-0 defeat in October in Smith’s first game in charge following Steve Bruce’s sacking.
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