Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece thinks Jacob Ramsey's value is rising sharply following his eye-catching start to the season at Aston Villa.
Ramsey was more of a fringe player last term, making just six Premier League starts, but he has taken centre stage far more regularly in the opening weeks of the current campaign.
What's the latest news involving Ramsey?
After coming off the bench at half-time on the first day of the season against Watford, Ramsey then went on a run of being named in Villa's starting XI for five of their next six top-flight matches.
During this period he was faced with the challenge of taking on Chelsea and Manchester United away from home, yet he more than held his own in the middle of the park.
After these performances, it was reported that Premier League champions Manchester City are keeping tabs on Ramsey. However, he was dealt a setback earlier this month when he was dropped to the bench for Villa's derby clash with Wolves, and he was named among the substitutes again for the side's defeat to Arsenal last week,
He made a major impact in the second half of that game, though, scoring his first goal for the club by clipping a shot from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner.
It will be hard for Dean Smith to leave him out again when Villa host West Ham on Sunday.
What has Preece said about Ramsey?
Preece believes Ramsey has looked right at home alongside John McGinn and Douglas Luiz in Villa's midfield, and has hinted that the 20-year-old is growing in importance at Villa Park.
Speaking about Ramsey's progress, he told GIVEMESPORT: “I think he’s benefitted from having a really good John McGinn next to him as well. McGinn’s been incredible this season, and I think Ramsey, McGinn and Douglas Luiz have all started really well. I think Ramsey’s value has rocketed by the week.”
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How much is Ramsey worth?
According to Transfermarkt, Ramsey is still only rated at £7.2m, and it must be remembered that he has only made 30 Premier League appearances to date. He is only in the infancy of his career.
Still, the academy product has the best part of four years remaining on his contract, and he does not turn 21 until next May. It seems likely that he is still some way off his peak.
Villa will probably want to keep him for as long as possible, but if City or another major club do come knocking, the Midlands club could demand a hefty fee given what Ramsey has shown already, plus the amount of potential that he has not even realised yet due to his tender age.
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