Micah Richards has told Aston Villa they may need to sign a striker in January to provide more cover for Ollie Watkins as they go for a Champions League place – and suggested Ben Brereton Diaz as a possible target.
The former Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers man joined Spanish side Villarreal in the summer, but has yet to score in 17 appearances for the Spanish club so far this season. It has led to reports that he could be set to return to England in the January window, with Premier League and Championship sides linked with an interest.
“If Watkins was to get injured. they’ve got Duran, but I would go out and potentially get an experienced striker that could see them through when they need to give Ollie Watkins a rest,” Richards told the Rest Is Football podcast when discussing potential January targets for Villa.
“Ivan Toney would be a great one, yes, but I think he would want to start every game, so it’s very difficult if you still want to play the same system to have someone who can come into the team, do a very good job but is not expected to play every week, and that’s why it’s a little bit difficult.”
When pushed for the name of a possible target, Richards paused and that suggested the former Blackburn man.
“You know who I’m going to go with, someone left field and you guys probably haven’t seen him play, no disrespect, because we don’t watch a lot of Championship football,” he said. “Someone like a (Ben) Brereton Diaz who was at Blackburn. Someone who’s just below a level, that’s what I’m trying to say.”
Gary Lineker added: “Kelechi Iheanacho? He’s not available.”
Stoke-born Brereton Diaz scored a total of 47 times in 177 appearances for Blackburn before completing a move to Spain. The 24-year-old also has seven goals in 21 international appearances for Chile, who he qualifies to play for through his mother.
What position should Villa target in the January transfer window? Tell us in the comments section.
