Dean Smith should make a shock move for Sheffield United ace Leon Clarke if Chelsea recall Tammy Abraham in January.
What’s the word?
Although Smith does not expect the London club to take the option, there is a recall agreement in the loan deal between Chelsea and Aston Villa for the services of Abraham during the 2018/19 season.
It means that should Maurizio Sarri and the Blues board wish to, they can force Villa into losing their main striker in January, and the potential to do so is strong amidst mounting interest from numerous Premier League sides.
Newcastle and Crystal Palace have been the two sides most heavily linked with potentially signing Abraham if Chelsea operate their recall option, and worse for Villa is that The Sun are reporting the 21-year-old wants to be brought back.
The Sun’s report states that Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Brighton and Fulham have joined the chase for Villa’s top goalscorer, who will activate the clause himself to pursue playing in the Premier League for the remainder of the season.
Leon Clarke could replace Abraham
Sheffield United striker Clarke may now be 33 years old, moving in the complete opposite direction to a young, exuberant striker like Abraham, but the journeyman, who started his senior career in 2003, would be a strong option to lead the line at Villa Park.
Throughout his career he has shown a deft touch in front of the goal, having found the net 135 times in 432 career appearances before the turn of the year.
Given his age, TransferMarkt valuation of £675k and rescinding importance to the Blades, he should not cost Villa too much either, yet would provide great experience and quality to replace Abraham in a promotion push.
If the question was raised to Clarke, between brief substitute outings at Bramall Lane or regular starting roles at Villa Park, you would imagine it would be a no-brainer for the player – who recently netted decisive goals from the bench in wins against Brentford and Derby.
