Lange could land the new James Milner as AVFC plot bid for "athletic" £14.4m-rated gem - opinion

Transfer insider Dean Jones has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa target, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Jones revealed that the 28-year-old, who Villa are plotting a move for, could offer Gerrard services similar to that of Liverpool mentor and teammate James Milner.

The journalist stated that a switch of clubs is needed in order for Oxlade-Chamberlain to slot into this role, saying:

“To be honest, if you look at the kind of the job that James Milner has done at Liverpool, that could be what Ox does at another club.

“I don’t think Ox is ever going to be able to do that at Liverpool because he wouldn’t be able to get the experience and the quality under his belt needed at that level. But to just take a tiny step down and go to a club like Aston Villa, I think he could be like a James Milner-esque character for them. Not sure if the fans want to hear that or not.”

By signing the Liverpool midfielder this year, it’s clear to see why they could sign their next Milner.

The former England international made Villa Park his home for 126 games, where he scored 22 times and registered 25 assists. It was there where he caught the eye of Manchester City and proved himself to be a superb asset in a multitude of positions across the pitch.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s “technical” and “athletic” ability, as described by Henry Winter, makes him a potentially outstanding utility option as well.

Even at the age of 36, Milner has played ten games more than the 28-year-old in all competitions, which is a testament to Milner’s service and fitness.

It also demonstrates why he’s a high-quality versatile option, a role that the £14.4m-rated man, Oxlade-Chamberlain, can make his own under the tenure of Gerrard