Pundit warns Aston Villa off Luis Suarez amid major flop threat and makes Danny Ings claim (original) (raw)

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has urged Aston Villa to stick with Danny Ings, despite links between the Villans and Luis Suarez.

Suarez was the subject of speculation over a move to Villa a few months ago. Indeed, Steven Gerrard taking over as manager and signing Philippe Coutinho stoked the fire regarding a reunion with Suarez, too.

That speculation has continued of late. In fact, a summer move for Suarez at Villa could be on the cards, thanks to Gerrard personally speaking to Suarez about his club’s interest.

However, former Premier League forward Phillips has urged Villa to keep the faith in one of their strikers.

“It’s a difficult one. I’ve always said how much I like Danny Ings, I think he’s a fantastic striker,” he told Football Insider.

While Ings has shown his quality in the Premier League previously, he has not quite had the same effect during his time at Villa. He bagged a career-best 22 league goals in 2019/20 with Southampton, but has managed just five so far at Villa Park.

“I’d love to see him and Ollie Watkins being able to work together. They’re two very, very good strikers,” Phillips added.

“The suggestion of bringing Suarez back to the Premier League with Aston Villa, I’m not so sure, being honest. I don’t think he’d be the same player he was. The Premier League’s moved on.”

While Suarez may not be in his prime, he still managed 21 goals in a table-topping Atletico Madrid side last term. What’s more, his best Premier League tally saw him notch 31 goals and 17 assists in 33 games.

That being said, Suarez might not be able to reach those levels, but clearly he thrives in the Premier League.

Matty Cash to get massive move to Atletico Madrid

Aston Villa right back Matty Cash linked with dream move to La Liga with Atletico Madrid

“I’d rather keep Ings and Ollie Watkins than look to bring a Suarez in, if I’m being honest. I’m hoping they’re both there at the start of next season and challenging for a place in the side,” Phillips added.

Surely adding Suarez into the mix would mean for even more attacking threat.

Ings and Cash may remain at Villa

Jacob Ramsey, Matty Cash, John McGinn, Danny Ings, Aston Villa celeb during Premier League game against Brighton at Amex Stadium

In other news, Villa right-back Matty Cash has been subject of speculation over a move to Atletico Madrid. The Spanish champions reportedly have Cash high on their list of signings for the summer.

That has led to Villa reportedly springing to action, by preparing a revised contract offer to the Polish international.

While Cash still has three years left on his current deal, it is no surprise Villa are keen on tying him down.

An improved contract at Villa Park could stop the full-back’s head being turned by Atletico.