Villa could seal "incredible" signing as Lange plots swoop for "unplayable" £15m titan - opinion

Aston Villa transfer target Tomas Soucek is said to be available for a transfer this summer.

That’s according to Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece, who claims that the Midlands outfit are looking to “add more quality” to the engine room with “Johan Lange exploring options” and the West Ham United midfielder is thought to be an “available” candidate.

It comes a week after The Sun reported that the Czech Republic star’s future is in doubt at the London Stadium as the Hammers aren’t willing to hand him a substantial pay rise despite his consistent form for the club.

Villa were linked with interest in the report, though they face competition from Newcastle United and Everton.

Soucek would be something of a coup for manager Steven Gerrard as he may well see shades of himself in the 27-year-old as he can impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

The 6 foot 4 titan is capable of providing goals from midfield, having bagged 18 goals from his 101 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Further back, Soucek compares very favourable to his positional peers across Europe’s ‘big five’ – as per FBref, the Irons enforcer ranks amongst the top 1% for clearances (3.22) per 90 and the top 2% for aerial duels won (3.95) per 90.

Soucek’s performances in east London have seen many sing his praises, including a particularly glowing endorsement from former Toffees winger Yannick Bolasie, who once dubbed him “unplayable” on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has previously lauded him as “incredible“, having formed a solid partnership with former Blues academy graduate Declan Rice in the heart of David Moyes’ midfield.

Unbelievably, he cost the West Ham hierarchy only £15m back in July 2020 after they triggered their option-to-buy