Aston Villa could strike gold in the January transfer window by landing Liverpool star Divock Origi.

What’s the story?

The Belgium international has struggled for consistent game-time at Anfield this season, playing just three times in the Premier League, but did show his credentials by scoring a late winner against Wolves in the Reds’ previous top-flight outing.

Now, during a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece has claimed that Origi could well be a superb acquisition for Villa, and that he “would make perfect sense” for Steven Gerrard’s side.

He said: “It’s one that Premier League clubs – and Villa – will be closely monitoring given his recent form. Still just 26 and happy to play second fiddle but will no doubt back himself to become a regular starter away from Anfield.

“It all depends on what he does from now until January but I expect Origi to be available and, should Keinan Davis move out, Origi would make perfect sense. A fabulous finisher. Loan to buy sounds ideal, for me.”

Great alternative to Watkins and Ings

Dubbed as someone who “always comes up with massive goals”, and who’s “got a taste for the big games”, Origi has built himself into folklore at Anfield with his match-winning moments – you’ve only got to look at his goal-scoring display in that famous Champions League comeback over Barcelona, or even more recently at Molineux this past week.

However, the Belgian probably knows that even a stellar display is unlikely to convince Jurgen Klopp to move out one of his much-vaunted attack to accommodate him, and that surely does nothing for a player’s confidence.

With his ability to net goals in big games and at big times too, Origi feels like someone who would relish the pressure and atmosphere of playing at Villa Park under the spotlight.

And, with less stellar competition than he would find at Anfield, Origi may consider Villa as the perfect place for him to really showcase his abundance of talent and carve out a starting role if he performs consistently – something he isn’t really going to find at Liverpool.

The £10.8m-rated star could give Villa that extra lift and attacking firepower to go alongside the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered the latest Aston Villa transfer update…