Aston Villa target Romaine Sawyers would be a risky signing

By Dom Toner

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Brentford midfielder Romaine Sawyers.

According to Sky Sports, the Midlands giants are keen on the 27-year-old ahead of the January transfer window and West Brom are also in pursuit.

It is understood that Villa manager Dean Smith wants to form a reunion with his ex-player, who he worked at with Brentford and Walsall during his career.

Sawyers is an attacking midfielder that is a regular starter in the Championship for Brentford, but he would surely be a gamble signing in January.

Smith clearly knows the playmaker well and is someone he may trust, but he’s struggled to his top form so far this campaign.

(Photo by Rachel Holborn – CameraSport via Getty Images)

He usually plays as an advanced midfielder behind the striker and is yet to score in 24 games across all competitions this season, while contributing just three assists.

Sawyers was directly involved in 10 goals across all competitions last season under Smith at Brentford, but it would be a considerable step up if made the move to Villa.

The attacking midfielder can be a tricky customer on his day and take up great positions in the final third, but there is no guarantee he’d be ready to set the world alight at Villa Park.

But on the flip side it makes sense for Smith to want more cover for Jack Grealish in his side and bringing in players he knows for a promotion push could work in his favour.