Report: Aston Villa want Southampton’s Michael Obafemi; West Brom also keen

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Southampton forward Michael Obafemi is attracting the attention of Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, according to a report from The Sun.

Obafemi is facing a fight for game-time under Ralph Hasenhuttl next season. Danny Ings was one of the most impressive goalscorers in the Premier League last term, while there were extremely positive signs from Che Adams in the latter stages of the campaign.

The 20-year-old scored four times in 25 appearances in all competitions last season. And it appears that he is attracting attention this summer.

The Sun claims that both the Villans and Baggies want the Republic of Ireland international.

Interestingly, the report notes that the Saints may be tempted to sell should they receive a bid worth £10 million.

TBR View: Difficult to see Saints sanctioning a sale, or Obafemi wanting to leave

There looks to be an exciting opportunity for a forward to come in at Aston Villa or West Brom this summer. Neither club had a player score more than 10 league goals last season.

And Obafemi looks to have an incredibly bright future ahead. Hasenhuttl suggested earlier this year, in comments reported by the Daily Echo, that the youngster is one player to keep a keen eye on.

“I think Michael has a lot of potential as he is really quick and is good on the ball,” he said, as reported by the Echo.

Nevertheless, it would arguably be difficult to imagine the forward pushing for a move away. Admittedly, he could potentially play a more prominent role elsewhere.

But he is still enjoying a lot of game-time under Hasenhuttl, who has a proven track record for helping players take their game to the next level.

Playing under Dean Smith and Slaven Bilic may also appeal. But it is potentially a gamble to move away from his current situation.