The free transfer Aston Villa could complete as cheaper Kalvin Phillips alternative

Aston Villa are never far from their next piece of shrewd transfer business. From stellar signings to smart transfers for free, if there is a good deal on offer, the club won't hesitate to capitalise.

Most recently they have been linked with a sensational £60million move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. However, they could choose to pursue a similar player for free this summer and save the owners millions in the process. That player is Florian Grillitsch, who currently plays for Hoffenheim will "probably" leave Hoffenheim at the end of the season due to his contract expiring at the club, according to Bundesliga News.

The 26-year-old Hoffenheim defensive midfielder could be the answer to Villa's midfield problems. He is also capable of playing as a centre-back and, therefore, offers a degree of versatility that Gerrard likes within his squad.

Grillitsch offers everything Gerrard would want from his deep-lying playmakers. Across Europe's top five leagues he ranks in the top ten percent for progressive passing distance, tackles and interceptions and progressive carries. Whilst also ranking in the top one percent for progressive passes, passes under pressure and pressures in the midfield third.

The player's immense passing ability, progressive play, defensive instinct and versatility make him a perfect option for Villa to turn to, whether they want him operating as the deep-lying playmaker or as a box-to-box in midfield.

The chart below outlines just how gifted Grillitsch is.

Obvious questions may be raised about his work-rate in terms of his pressures but these statistics have been taken from this season where he has operated as a centre-back for the majority of the time.

When operating as a genuine