Why Aston Villa target Luis Suarez’s future in Spain looks bleak

Reports in Spain suggest Luis Suarez would be open to discussing a summer transfer to Aston Villa – and the former Liverpool striker’s connections to Villa boss Steven Gerrard will surely hold the key to getting a deal over the line.

Suarez is out of contract at Atletico Madrid at the end of the season and any hopes of an extended stay in Spain for the Uruguayan appear all but over given that Suarez has started just two of his side’s last seven La Liga matches.

The 35-year-old was an unused substitute for both legs of Atletico’s last 16 Champions League success against Manchester United and Suarez has also had a public bust-up with Madrid boss Diego Simeone.

Despite some kinder words from Simeone in press conferences since, it looks almost certain Suarez will be playing his football away from the Spanish capital next season.

Numerous Spanish journalists have reported that Suarez would be keen on a move back to England and teaming up with Gerrard – with whom he enjoyed a great playing partnership with at Anfield – is a strong possibility.

What appears to be good news for Villa’s hopes of bringing Suarez to Birmingham is the impact made by Philippe Coutinho following his loan switch from Barcelona.

Under Gerrard’s stewardship, Coutinho’s career appears revitalised and this will not have gone unnoticed by Suarez, who is unlikely at his age to attract the attentions of Premier League teams playing European football.

What’s the view from another ex-Villa forward?

However, former Villa striker Kevin Phillips has urged Gerrard to stick with what he has in the shape of 29-year-old Danny Ings.

Phillips, who won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 30 goals for Sunderland in 1999/2000, said: “Danny Ings is a fantastic striker. He’s not had too many opportunities at Villa but I’d love to see him and Ollie Watkins being able to work together.

“The suggestion of bringing Suarez back to the Premier League with Aston Villa…I’m not so sure being honest. I don’t think he’d be the same player he was. The Premier League’s moved on.

“I’d rather keep Ings and Watkins than look to bring a Suarez in, if I’m being honest. I’m hoping they’re both there at the start of next season and challenging for a place in the side.”

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