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According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are amongst the Championship clubs – along with Leeds United, West Brom and Middlesbrough – interested in signing surplus to requirements Fulham trio Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano.
What’s the story?
As per the aforementioned TEAMtalk report, Fulham boss Claudio Ranieri has decided that Johansen, Ayite and Kebano are not needed at Craven Cottage and can leave the struggling Premier League club in this January transfer window.
Playmaker Johansen and wingers Ayite and Kebano all played important roles in the Cottagers’ promotion from the Championship last season, but have failed to make the step up to top flight level.
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The Villans are amongst the clubs interested in securing the trio’s services, and Dean Smith would be wise to move for Ayite especially.
Bringing in experience
Winger Yannick Bolasie recently opted to terminate his loan stay at Villa Park early and return to parent club Everton.
The 29-year-old’s departure has left Villa short on quality depth on the flanks, though the recalling of Andre Green from his loan spell with Portsmouth has alleviated this issue somewhat. Green, however, despite being a talented prospect, lacks Championship experience.
If Villa are serious about making a push for the play-offs, they need more players who know what it takes to get out of the division. Ayite has that experience, and the quality to effectively replace Bolasie.
The 30-year-old made 28 league appearances for Fulham last season, scoring four goals, according to Transfermarkt’s statistics.
The 31-cap Togo international could certainly have an impact for Smith’s side this season, and he could even be available for a bargain fee given that he seemingly has no future with the Premier League strugglers.
