Dean Jones says James would be ‘strange signing’ for Villa

Aston Villa were linked with a move for James Rodriguez in April but have since gone on to sign Philippe Coutinho permanently, so that should end any suggestion of him coming to Villa Park.

The 30-year-old joined Al-Rayyan SC on a two-year deal from Everton last summer and has gone on to make 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals with seven assists.

James’ form in Qatar has many in the media predicting he’ll return to Europe this summer, but Dean Jones doesn’t believe Villa would be a viable destination.

He told Give Me Sport: “The strangest link so far has been James Rodriguez, who does not seem to fit the type of player (Steven) Gerrard would be looking for.”

The Colombian international was a Real Madrid player only two years ago but is now playing in the Stars League after his 2020 move to Everton went sour when Carlo Ancelotti left in the summer 2021.

James’ career has mirrored that of Coutinho’s with a move to Spain spiralling and a loan to Germany being short-lived, but the former hasn’t had his redemption in the continent yet.

Villa won’t be the one to provide it, as Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia are all the playmakers Gerrard needs.

In other news, Dean Jones says Aston Villa are ‘unlikely’ to sign Yves Bissouma