Aston Villa’s reported interest in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been dismissed after speculation a move was close over the weekend.
According to talkSPORT, Villa were said to be closing in on a deal to sign the Liverpool man, who will become a free agent at the end of the month when his current contract expires.
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The report came in the immediate aftermath of our announcement for the signing of Youri Tielemans, and it was undoubtedly greeted with plenty of doubt and scepticism.
Oxlade-Chamberlain, 29, featured just 13 times for Liverpool last season amid ongoing injury problems and competition for places, and although his versatility may well have been useful as well as providing depth when fit, a move didn’t really make much sense even if on a free transfer.
As per The Telegraph’s John Percy, sources at the club have dismissed any interest in Oxlade-Chamberlain, and given Percy’s reputation and reliability, that is certainly the report that holds more credence.
Villa are expected to be active this summer to allow Unai Emery to strengthen his squad, and our window started well with the smart addition of Tielemans on a free. With the hope of being competitive not only in the Premier League but also the domestic cup competitions and Europe, we’ll need to add more quality to the group.
With changes at management level now too following the decision from Christian Purslow to step down as CEO and director, it’s going to be a busy few weeks and months as things take shape on and off the pitch.
Having bolstered his options in midfield with the Tielemans signing, time will tell where Emery prioritises next, but it’s fair to say at this stage that Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t going to be the next new face through the door, as it had been suggested by other outlets just days ago.