Aston Villa and West Ham United ‘weighing up concrete approaches’ to sign 10-time England international
The latest transfer news as Aston Villa and West Ham United target a player recently called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.
Aston Villa and West Ham United are reportedly considering signing an England international midfielder in the January transfer window.
The Villans and the Hammers have both had a tricky start to the new Premier League season and may visit the transfer market if matters haven’t improved by the time winter rolls in. Both sides could look to bolster their squads even if they do get better before the next window, as squad depth is pivotal at this level.
Villa & West Ham ‘weighing up’ AC Milan approach
Midfield has been a real problem area for both Villa and West Ham so far this term, so it comes as no surprise that speculation is brewing over reinforcements being signed in that area. AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the latest player in this position to be linked and there could be some movement sooner rather than later.
Caught Offside reports Villa and West Ham are ‘monitoring his situation closely’ and are ‘weighing up concrete approaches’. Loftus-Cheek is said to be seen as an experienced midfielder who can strengthen the overall look of both squads for the rest of the season.
Newcastle United are also said to be keeping tabs on Loftus-Cheek, though the Magpies’ interest isn’t as advanced as that of Villa and West Ham. That could change if injury problems begin to mount, however, with Newcastle targeting a spot in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League.
How would Loftus-Cheek fit in at Villa?
If Villa were to win the race to sign Loftus-Cheek, he could be a terrific addition. Unai Emery was hoping Ross Barkley could be his reliable rotation option in the midfield double pivot but the former Everton man has been far from it. Loftus-Cheek would likely want far more game time than Barkley, but that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.
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Football
Aston Villa and West Ham United ‘weighing up concrete approaches’ to sign 10-time England international
Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Football Journalist
Published 23rd Sep 2025, 09:32 BST
The latest transfer news as Aston Villa and West Ham United target a player recently called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel.
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Aston Villa and West Ham United are reportedly considering signing an England international midfielder in the January transfer window.
The Villans and the Hammers have both had a tricky start to the new Premier League season and may visit the transfer market if matters haven’t improved by the time winter rolls in. Both sides could look to bolster their squads even if they do get better before the next window, as squad depth is pivotal at this level.
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Villa & West Ham ‘weighing up’ AC Milan approach
Midfield has been a real problem area for both Villa and West Ham so far this term, so it comes as no surprise that speculation is brewing over reinforcements being signed in that area. AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the latest player in this position to be linked and there could be some movement sooner rather than later.
Caught Offside reports Villa and West Ham are ‘monitoring his situation closely’ and are ‘weighing up concrete approaches’. Loftus-Cheek is said to be seen as an experienced midfielder who can strengthen the overall look of both squads for the rest of the season.
Newcastle United are also said to be keeping tabs on Loftus-Cheek, though the Magpies’ interest isn’t as advanced as that of Villa and West Ham. That could change if injury problems begin to mount, however, with Newcastle targeting a spot in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League.
How would Loftus-Cheek fit in at Villa?
If Villa were to win the race to sign Loftus-Cheek, he could be a terrific addition. Unai Emery was hoping Ross Barkley could be his reliable rotation option in the midfield double pivot but the former Everton man has been far from it. Loftus-Cheek would likely want far more game time than Barkley, but that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.
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Recently recalled to the England squad for the first time since 2018, Loftus-Cheek has had a mixed time at AC Milan thus far. The 29-year-old was superb during his first season in Italy as he racked up 2,860 minutes and 10 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. He struggled last term, however, as he became more of an impact substitute rather than a regular starter.
There’s been a resurgence to start the new season, mind, as Loftus-Cheek has started four times in Serie A and once in Copa Italia, scoring one goal in the process. Speculation was rife around a potential return to England when Loftus-Cheek was struggling for starts, but that’s uncertain again with him seemingly firmly in Massimiliano Allegri’s plans.
Predominantly a central midfielder but also capable of playing as a number 10, in the deeper pivot, or even as a right wing-back, Loftus-Cheek could be a very handy addition. Emery loves versatile players who work hard and Loftus-Cheek certainly fits the bill in those respects.
It awaits to be seen whether Milan would be willing to let the England international leave this winter, but, if the reports are to be believed, Villa may attempt to test their resolve anyway.
In other news, Emery should be very worried about one particular Villa moment away at Sunderland.
