Manchester City have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Aston Villa attacker Jacob Ramsey, who could cost the Citizens in excess of £50m.
The highly-rated 23-year-old has not been at the peak of his powers this season, only managing three goals and four assists in 32 appearances for Unai Emery's side across all tournaments in 2024-25.
Ramsey was only a second-half substitute in Villa's 3-1 Champions League last-16 first-leg win over Club Brugge in midweek, and injuries have hampered his development in recent times.
Competition for attacking spots at Villa Park is also rife, and Ramsey may find it harder to force his way into the XI thanks to the form of Leon Bailey, Morgan Rogers, Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford.
The England Under-21 international will also enter the final two years of his contract at the end of the season, meaning that this summer could be Villa's best chance to accrue the highest fee possible through a sale.
Man City told to pay more than £50m for Ramsey?
© Imago
According to TBR Football, Man City are the 'latest club' to begin running the rule over Ramsey, whom Villa could consider selling due to the potential Profit and Sustainability benefits.
As the Lions' youth product is a home-grown player, any transfer would go down as pure profit on Villa's accounts, aiding the West Midlands side significantly in their efforts to balance the books.
Man City have supposedly been left 'hugely impressed' with the 23-year-old's displays this season, but they could be quoted a fee in excess of £50m to capture him when the window reopens.
However, the reigning English champions may have to fend off both Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Ramsey, who boasts a total of 16 goals and 16 assists in 153 appearances for Emery's side.
Ramsey also won the Under-21 European Championship with England in 2023, and he is believed to be in the reckoning to make Thomas Tuchel's first senior squad later this month.
Could Ramsey replace Jack Grealish at Man City?
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A versatile player capable of doing a job out wide or in the number 10 slot, Ramsey has predominantly played as a left-winger for Aston Villa, a position that his predecessor Jack Grealish sometimes occupies at Man City.
However, the ex-Villa man has not lived up to his £100m price tag whatsoever since making the switch to the Etihad, starting just six Premier League games for Pep Guardiola's side in the 2024-25 season.
Grealish is said to be one of seven senior Man City players who could be axed this summer, and a return to Aston Villa has unsurprisingly been mooted for the 29-year-old, although it is not clear if the Lions are open to welcoming him back.
If Villa do decide to take another punt on Grealish, the door could swing open for an astounding swap deal involving the England international and Ramsey, whom the Lions may have to consider parting ways with if no new deal is on the table.
Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and James McAtee could also be on the way out this summer, and Ramsey would also be able to cover for either member of the trio in a central position.
Ben Knapton
