Aston Villa targeting Southampton’s Michael Obafemi could backfire on Dean Smith

Add as preferred source on Google

The Sun reported at the weekend that Aston Villa are one of the sides interested in signing Michael Obafemi from Southampton this summer.

Obafemi played a number of games for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side last season. Nevertheless, The Sun has suggested that an offer of £10 million may be enough to convince the Saints to sell the Republic of Ireland international.

The reports seemed to divide some of the Villa supporters on social media. So some will certainly be happy if the Villans manage to convince Southampton to sell Obafemi this summer.

But perhaps a move for the young forward could also backfire on Dean Smith.

Birmingham Live reported on Thursday that Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie is hoping for offers from the likes of Villa and Southampton this summer.

McKennie looks to be a fantastic prospect. And plenty of the Villa fans were left delighted by the prospect of their club making a move for the 21-year-old.

However, ESPN reported this week that it is the Saints who lead the race. Meanwhile, Sky Sports suggested that Hasenhuttl’s men are already in talks over a move for the £20 million-rated international.

Crucially however, Sky Sports noted that the Saints may have an issue to contend with. The club may have to sell some of their squad to raise the funds required to meet McKennie’s asking price.

TBR View: Villa moving for Obafemi could help Saints in McKennie race

Sky did not suggest that Obafemi was one of those who could be sold. However, a £10 million offer for the 20-year-old may be even more tempting for the Saints should they still be trying to fund a move for McKennie.

So if Villa do decide that they want to make a bid for McKennie, perhaps they should hold fire on making any offer for Obafemi in case it makes their task just a little tougher.