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Aston Villa join race to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen instead of Tammy Abraham
Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign a “fantastic” £40m striker, amid a fresh update on their pursuit of Tammy Abraham.
Villa line up Abraham alternatives
Villa’s pursuit of Abraham has been one of the main sagas of the January transfer window, but with a deal not yet over the line, they have now started looking at potential alternatives, with Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku among the options.
There has since been a new update on the Villans’ pursuit of the former Chelsea striker, with it being revealed Besiktas are now demanding over €20m (£17m), as the Turkish club are growing concerned about whether they will be able to find a replacement before the deadline.
Should the two clubs be able to come to an agreement, the deal could be relatively straightforward, considering the Englishman is keen on a return to the Premier League, and he has already agreed personal terms for a move to Villa Park.
However, with a deal not yet over the line, Unai Emery‘s side have continued to scour the market for alternatives, and a Premier League striker has now emerged as an option.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Aston Villa have now joined the packed race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jorgen Strand Larsen, alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
Palace are now leading the race for the Norwegian, having recently opened talks, which means Villa may have to move quickly, although agreeing a deal could be tricky, in light of their financial limitations.
Wolves are willing to sanction the 25-year-old’s departure this month, but they are looking to receive £40m, which would rank him among the Villans’ most expensive signings of all time.
“Fantastic” Strand Larsen could be solid Abraham alternative
The Wolves striker is around two-and-a-half years younger than Abraham, and he has a more recent track record of success in the Premier League, weighing in with 14 goals and four assists in 35 matches last season.
After scoring a brace in a 2-1 victory against Southampton, the Norway international received plaudits from former manager Vitor Pereira, who said: “[Jorgen] Strand Larsen was fantastic, not only with his two goals but with the way he helped the team. Today he felt more confident. I think he was fantastic, and he deserves it.”
This season, the former Groningen man has struggled, netting just one Premier League goal, but in fairness, he has been playing in a very poor side, with Wolves rock bottom of the table.
Strand Larsen’s previous exploits suggest he could flourish in a better side, and Villa should make a move this month, if they have the financial means.
