Aston Villa prospect Tommi O’Reilly is drawing attention from Portsmouth and Huddersfield Town ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The skilful attacking midfielder has been impressing on loan at Crewe Alexandra this season where he has scored six goals as they continue to push for a League Two play-off place.
It is the fourth loan of his fledgling career and he has benefited this campaign from a continued run of games.
That has allowed him to catch the eye of Championship and League One clubs who are looking for talented bargains at the end of the season.
Villa could be open to a sale as they look to offset a restructuring of their squad at the end of the season.
Manager Unai Emery has taken a more active role in recruitment of late but has been frustrated by financial restrictions with Villa needing to sell before they have the fluidity to move for the targets they really want.
Tommi O’Reilly has played 40 games in all competitions for Crewe Alexandra so far this season
O’Reilly, who has been likened in style to Manchester City’s Phil Foden and ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, with his ability to work well in tight spaces, is one of Villa’s homegrown talents who could generate a fee.
The 22-year-old has been at Villa since he was seven years old. He was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2021 and was initially called up for first-team training under former boss Steven Gerrard.
An influx of new signings in his position post-Gerrard increased competition and made his first team pathway all the more difficult.
However, his form on loan at Crewe has put him back in the spotlight and Championship side Portsmouth and League One promotion chasers Huddersfield are weighing up offers for the summer.
