Aston Villa have been linked with Nottingham Forest ace Joe Lolley.
According to the Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest boss Martin O’Neill wouldn’t attempt to stand in Joe Lolley’s way if Aston Villa agree deal.
Villa won promotion to the Premier League on Monday afternoon, beating Derby County 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to secure their return to the top flight.
The celebrations are still ongoing, but behind the scenes, plans will be made to strengthen Dean Smith’s squad – and Lolley is one of the first players linked.
The Daily Mail report that Villa want Lolley in a deal worth around £10million, and if such a bid is made, it’s believed manager O’Neill wouldn’t attempt to stop him from moving.
Lolley grew up supporting Villa, watching then from the famous Holte End, and O’Neill – a former Villa boss – seemingly wouldn’t try and dissuade him from making the move, acknowledging that it’s a big move for him.
The chance to play for his boyhood club in the Premier League is something of a dream for Lolley, and this appears to be the perfect chance.
The 26-year-old winger barely featured in the Premier League for Huddersfield Town, sparking his move to Forest, but Villa may feel confident that he’s grown as a player now.
Lolley racked up 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 games this past season, including a goal and four assists in the 5-5 draw against Smith’s Villa in November; now, with O’Neill seemingly refusing to try and convince Lolley to stay if Villa come calling, he could head to Villa Park for good.
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