Aston Villa reportedly want boyhood fan Joe Lolley.
Aston Villa have clinched promotion back to the Premier League after beating Derby County 2-1 in the Championship playoff final on Monday afternoon.
After a three-year absence, Villa are back in the top flight, and exorcised the demons from their playoff final defeat to Fulham last year by beating Derby.
Whilst the celebrations are still ongoing, Dean Smith and co will need to plan quickly for next season, especially with Norwich City and Sheffield United having a three-week head start on their summer planning.
Now, the Birmingham Mail report that Villa already have a big target in mind, with Nottingham Forest’s Joe Lolley wanted in a £10million swoop.
Lolley, 26, it 11 goals and 11 assists for Forest this season, and a move to Villa would be something of a dream for the winger having grown up supporting Villa in the Holte End.
If Smith can secure Lolley’s signature, Villa fans should feel excited about the idea of him joining forces with Jack Grealish in the final third next season.
Both players have great flair, creativity and an eye for goal, but they both grew up supporting Villa too, giving Villa fans the chance to see two players giving everything for the club whilst also possessing the quality to go with it.
Villa fans were frustrated in their last Premier League campaign with players seemingly not giving enough for the cause, but by combining Grealish and Lolley, Villa would have a dangerous and passionate duo under Smith – another Villa fan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
