Aston Villa’s promotion to the Premier League means they will need to make some significant additions to beef up their attack in order to go toe-to-toe against the best clubs in England.
The Villans had a rollercoaster ride in the Championship, which culminated in their 2-1 win against Derby County in the play-off final. Although they deserve to be elated at the moment, they must also be aware of their upcoming challenge.
Notably, Tammy Abraham has returned to Chelsea, his parent club, and Smith’s side need a quality striker.
It has been reported by Football Insider that Aston Villa have put Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe on their radar.
Roofe’s contract with the Whites is due to expire at the end of the upcoming term and it has been reported that Marcelo Bielsa’s side might struggle to keep the player at Elland Road.
Leeds United were knocked out of the promotion race in the semi-final by Derby County, and all the hard work that was put in by the Yorkshire-based outfit turned futile right at the end of the season. Therefore, a move to the Villa Park might tempt Roofe, who personally had a good season under Bielsa.
With Villa set for a cash windfall following their promotion to the top flight, the club could sign several fresh faces.
Pros and cons of signing Roofe
Roofe emerged through the youth ranks of West Bromwich Albion, but couldn’t break into their senior side.
While he was on their books, he managed loan spells with various clubs before signing permanently for Oxford United.
In the summer of 2016, Leeds United brought him to the Elland Road, and he proved to be a useful asset for them last season as he scored 15 goals in 33 Championship appearances last season.
Roofe is a poacher inside the box, and links up with his teammates in pretty well in the final third, an aspect that Bielsa used really well as his Leeds side played a very pass-oriented approach that included patient build-up play.
The 26-year old is a versatile attacker, and has the calibre to feature as a winger as well, though that would take away his clinical ability in front of goal.
Roofe has a remarkable work-ethic on the pitch, and Aston Villa might be able to rope him in for a decent price. However, he is yet to prove himself at the top level, and signing him after just one good season in the Championship might be a risky transfer.