Aston Villa youngster Steven Gerrard once hyped up now ‘gaining interest’ in EFL double swoop

Aston Villa youngster Josh Feeney is reportedly on the radar of League One side Blackpool this summer, with a loan move likely.

Having recently signed a new long-term contract at Villa Park, the centre-back is in Unai Emery’s plans for the future but is expected to leave on a temporary basis.

Feeney, who Steven Gerrard once described to have a “huge future” if developed and polished up to the right level, got a first-team outing recently, in the 1-1 draw against Walsall.

Transfer news reporter Alan Nixon, via his Patreon site ReluctantNicko, has claimed Blackpool are very interested in taking Feeney on loan, perhaps for the entirety of 2023/24.

The 18-year-old has never left Villa on a temporary basis since signing from Fleetwood Town in 2021 but the opportunity is now there for some first-team experience.

Heading out to the English third tier could be a clever move as the pressure won’t be as high as in the Championship, but the competitive and physical nature will remain.

Feeney has captured the attention of England at youth level from U16 to U18, with a combined 13 appearances across the three age groups.

The defender also has also played in 34 Premier League 2 matches across two seasons, scoring four goals in the process.