(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 7 August 2025 11:35, UK

Aston Villa are considering making a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer this month, according to their former senior scout.

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Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Sunderland and remains very well-connected within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old’s availability on a free has increased interest in his signature.

Villa’s summer spending has been limited by their difficult financial situation, and the addition of a new striker remains a key target at this stage of the window.

Football Insider revealed on 28 July that Villa could accelerate their interest in Calvert-Lewin, whose representatives have held talks with a number of top-level clubs.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a target for Aston Villa.

(Credit: Imago)

The former Everton striker is seen as an option to provide cover whether Ollie Watkins leaves or stays at Villa Park as they aim to bolster their attacking options.

However, his fitness issues are believed to be a concern for Unai Emery who would ideally add a more reliable centre-forward to his squad before the window closes.

This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.

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Brown told Football Insider in April that Newcastle have had second thoughts about Calvert-Lewin despite having a long-held interest in the striker.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that Villa’s interest has come as a surprise but could now step up.

“I would’ve been surprised if Villa were interested at the start of the window,” he told Football Insider.

“The lad’s had a terrible, terrible injury situation while he’s been at Everton and hasn’t shown anything over the last two or three years to improve that.

“I think the manager, Emery, will be concerned about his availability.

“He wants a reliable backup for Ollie Watkins, not somebody who will only be available for one in every ten games.

Unai Emery remains keen to strengthen his squad.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

“However, the fact they haven’t got to pay a fee for him means they could take a chance on him.

“They haven’t got bags of money to spend and they do want to bring in a striker.

“I expect he’s going to be an option for them and it’s something they’ll be considering.

“It would be a gamble for them, they’d be relying on him getting back to full fitness and being able to maintain that, which is a doubt.

“But on a free transfer, maybe it’s a risk they’ll be willing to take.”

Alongside their pursuit of Calvert-Lewin, Villa have also been eyeing some more expensive options in case Watkins is sold amid growing interest in his signature.

Brown told Football Insider on 5 August that Villa want to sign Samu Omorodion from Porto and have been keeping a close eye on his progress.

Villa’s scouting team, led by Monchi, have identified the striker is a key target to strengthen up front but it is currently considered a difficult one to pull off.

Football Insider revealed in March that Porto are demanding a “huge” fee for Samu despite being open to offers below the £82.5million release clause in his contract.

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