Linked with Aston Villa, Jones starred as Northern Ireland suffered a last-gasp loss to Austria.
Jordan Jones starred for Northern Ireland as Michael O’Neill’s side suffered a late defeat to Austria at Windsor Park in the UEFA Nations League – and his display would have done his chances of a move to Aston Villa no harm.
The Daily Mail claim Dean Smith’s Villa are rivalling Championship side Swansea City for the 24-year-old winger, who continues to impress with Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock.
His strong performances for Killie have seen Northern Ireland give him a chance in the national side, and he was his country’s main threat on Sunday evening as they pushed Austria all the way.
Jones’ was direct and put Austria on the back foot throughout the UEFA Nations League match, before providing Corry Evans with an excellent assist as the Blackburn Rovers midfielder equalised.
Austria won with a late winner that overshadowed Northern Ireland’s battling display, and indeed the efforts of Jones. But with Villa linked, the Midlands club would have only been encouraged by the fleet-footed star.
Villa have struggled throughout the season, with Steve Bruce criticised for a lack of attacking flair and style during his spell in charge this season. He was replaced by Smith, and the former Brentford boss will be looking to address that in January.
Adding a player like Jones – based on his display for his country on Sunday – will give Villa that cutting edge and unpredictability in attack. It remains to be seen how much he will cost, but a move to Villa would be hard to turn down.
Indeed, Villa lured Scotland international John McGinn to The Midlands despite being linked with a move to Celtic. Jones has been linked with both Celtic and Rangers, but Villa may prove more tantalising for the winger.
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