Jordan Amavi is continuing to pick up the plaudits for an improving Aston Villa this season, as his form continues to sparkle in the Sky Bet Championship. This has led to speculation of bigger teams coming in when the winter transfer market opens on January 1.
The 22-year-old Frenchman has been something of a standout player in the Championship for Villa and this has led to long-term rumours of interest from Premier League giants Liverpool as well as confirmed interest from French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, who are said by the Mail Online to be willing to offer £8.5m for his services.
The Mail Online do go on to say that it is Amavi’s preference to stay in England and seek his footballing fame, indicating that proposed interest from Liverpool, as well as Everton, will see the day through over interest from France. The Mail Online say that this will be to the detriment of Marseille whose sporting director Andoni Zubizarretta “is in talks with the player’s representatives.”
The Toulon-born youngster, who made 10 appearances for Villa after a £9.3m moves from OGC Nice, has made 17 appearances for Villa this season, and as the window creeps closer to opening, the rumours of his impending departure still persist.
However, amidst the persistance of rumours that he is leaving Villa, there have been no direct indications of a bid being placed. That is until club owner Dr Tony Xia went on Twitter (below) to post the following.
Don't bother reading this. I can tell we have rejected an offer of £25M for @@JordanAmavi He will grow bigger at @AVFCOfficial ! https://t.co/QahCQ1vOgA
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) December 27, 2016
This post from Xia has led to an instant reaction from Twitter, with opinion being somewhat divided as to the truth of what Xia is saying.
Xia says he rejected £25m bid for Amavi – Twitter says the following
First of all it is welcome news to some Villa fans.
https://twitter.com/JulieBayleyIFA/status/813719771460014080
that's literally made my Christmas 💜💙 Thank you so much Dr Tony
— Dusty Ass Mad Mary (@eccles742) December 27, 2016
Villa will be back on the very top of the pile. Stay for the ride Jordan!
— Macca (@McGrath1874) December 27, 2016
@JulieBayleyIFA @retsub12 Great news. Shows real intent!
— Ian Hart (@VillaHarty) December 27, 2016
However, some football fans have responded to Xia’s assertion that Amavi is going nowhere with a sense of cynicism, told through the medium of gifs.
https://twitter.com/mrarsenal84/status/813724196425629696
. @Dr_TonyXia @JordanAmavi @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/JzlW7REVht
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) December 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/thedugshrug/status/813721036051116032
