Anderlecht play-maker Alexandru Chipciu may finally move to the Midlands this summer – but with West Bromwich Albion or Aston Villa?
While red-hot Anderlecht front-man Lukas Teodorczyk has reportedly plundered his way onto West Brom’s summer shopping list, it appears that Tony Pulis’ initial interest could soon turn into a full-on raid.
Because Anderlecht Online reports that The Baggies are hoping to ensure Teodorczyk would not be short of ammunition at The Hawthorns by bringing creative talent and team-mate Alexandru Chipciu to the Midlands too.
The versatile Romanian international can flit between a wide variety of positions, from right wing to attacking midfield to false nine if Pulis is feeling particularly adventurous. And he promises to add extra creativity and subtlety to a side that relies more on its brawn than its brain.
Yet, West Brom are not the only Midlands giants to have expressed an interest in Chipciu in recent years. Gazeta Sporturilor claimed in 2015 that Aston Villa had sent scouts to watch the play-maker in action for former club Steaua Bucharest.
And it appears that they could still be in need of a player of Chipciu’s vision and quality in the final third. Villa finished a disappointing 13th in their first season in the Championship with a lack of cutting edge in the final third one of the major reasons why Steve Bruce’s side were unable to put together a sustained assault on the top six.
Villa netted just 47 goals in the season just gone and only three clubs could boast a lesser tally. Two of which, Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United, finished 23rd and 24th respectively.
The Telegraph claims that Financial Fair Play restrictions means Villa will need to sell before they buy this summer. But, if they earn a pretty penny for Carles Gil, Jordan Veretout and co, perhaps their first port of call should be to renew their interest in a player who could get supporters off their seats for the right reasons at Villa Park.
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