Dean Smith wants to keep Keinan Davis at Aston Villa this month despite interest from Championship clubs Swansea City, Derby County and Huddersfield Town, as reported by Wales Online.
When you consider the barrel-chested 22-year-old has played just 47 minutes of Premier League football this season, Smith’s stance may raise a few eyebrows.
Despite evidence suggesting otherwise, the Aston Villa boss sees Davis as a key part of his squad and will resist any January offers; even if the player himself is keen to play on a more regular basis.
But with Wesley Moraes still working his way back to fitness after over a year on the sidelines, Davis remains first reserve to star striker Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.
With that in mind, it would make little sense to let the target man leave this month.
If Watkins was to join Wesley on the treatment table, Davis would be expected to step into the breach.
The former England U20 international is also a useful addition off the bench, offering plenty of energy and physicality in the number nine position.
Wales Online suggest that Derby, Preston North End, Huddersfield and Stoke were interested.
As are a promotion-chasing Swansea side who appear to have made a classic centre-forward their top January priority, with Crawley Town hotshot Max Watters another on Steve Cooper’s radar.
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