Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly seen a player-plus-cash offer for Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey rejected by the Lions.
Twenty-three-year-old Ramsey struggled to become a mainstay in Unai Emery's XI last season, facing intense competition from John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey, Boubacar Kamara and Moussa Diaby, although he was also hampered by injury.
Ramsey only managed 21 appearances in 2023-24, coming up with one goal and two assists and starting eight Premier League matches, while dealing with foot and toe problems.
The latter issue ruled Ramsey out of the final two months of the season, although his contributions were not sorely missed by Aston Villa, who will be playing Champions League football next season.
Ramsey is still contracted to the Lions for another three years, but according to journalist Matt Maher, Tottenham recently tried their luck with a part-exchange deal for the midfielder.
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Tottenham 'offer £20m and Lo Celso for Ramsey'
Spurs reportedly stumped up an offer of £20m as well as the chance to sign Giovani Lo Celso, who does not appear to have a future in North London under Ange Postecoglou.
The Argentina international impressed during an 18-month loan at Villarreal, where he helped the Yellow Submarine reach the 2021-22 Champions League semi-finals, and he surprisingly stayed put at Tottenham last summer.
However, Lo Celso only managed two goals and two assists from 24 matches last season - one of his strikes came against Villa - and he was also plagued by muscle and knee problems.
Out of contract in 2025, Lo Celso is on the Tottenham chopping block, but Maher adds that Aston Villa swiftly turned down Tottenham's proposal and have no plans to let Ramsey leave.
The England Under-21 international is reportedly still viewed as an integral member of Emery's setup in spite of his injury woes, and he could enjoy more minutes in the Lions side next season if a couple of exits materialise.
Understand #avfc have rejected a player-plus-cash approach from Tottenham for Jacob Ramsey. Deal was £20million plus Giovani Lo Celso. Villa have no interest in selling Ramsey. Still seen as key part of Unai Emery's squad. More @ExpressandStar.
— matt maher (@mjmarr_star) June 26, 2024
Midfield lynchpin Luiz is on the verge of leaving for Juventus, while winger Diaby is supposedly wanted by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr as a replacement for Sadio Mane.
Why do Tottenham want Ramsey?
When fully fit, Ramsey has proven himself as a menace in the final third for Aston Villa, often shining as an out-and-out number 10 or in the left-wing position since coming through the youth ranks.
While James Maddison is Spurs' undisputed first choice in the attacking midfield role, his drop-off in form in the second half of the season cost him his place in the England squad for Euro 2024, and the added competition from Ramsey's arrival should therefore only be a good thing.
Lo Celso is an alternative in that area but should be offloaded elsewhere if Villa do not change their stance, while Tanguy Ndombele has also had his contract terminated after a failed five-year stint since his record-breaking arrival.
As Ramsey can also shine on the left, his prospective signing would open the door for Bryan Gil to leave, and there is still some uncertainty over Son Heung-min, who could leave as a free agent next summer and recently refused to commit his long-term future to the Lilywhites.
Ben Knapton
