Kelechi Iheanacho: Ex-Tottenham man urges Aston Villa to aim higher than Saudi-linked Nigeria star

Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton believes Kelechi Iheanacho would only be a squad player at Aston Villa if he moves to Villa Park this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Iheanacho is in his final week at Leicester City, where he has spent the last seven years, scoring 61 goals and providing 34 assists in 232 games.

He has been linked to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, which could be his biggest payday yet.

With his Leicester contract ending this summer, Iheanacho is expected to secure a financially beneficial move to Saudi Arabia. Last season, he scored five goals to help Leicester return to the Premier League.

Aston Villa are also interested in Iheanacho, who could be tempted by their Champions League campaign next season. Football Insider reported that Villa are monitoring the 27-year-old Nigerian striker, with sporting director Monchi having already spoken to his representatives.

Villa are reportedly considering Iheanacho as a replacement for Jhon Duran with the 20-year-old Colombian international set to quit Villa Park following interest from Chelsea.

Speaking to Villa News, Hutton said Villa should aim higher than Iheanacho, who he doesn't see as an upgrade over Duran.

“I feel like they will (aim for a higher target), Hutton said. “I mean we’re talking about a Champions League team here. You know I like Duran, I just don’t think that’s an upgrade if I’m honest.”

Hutton suggested Iheanacho could be a useful squad player for cup games but doubted he would challenge Ollie Watkins for the starting spot.

“Watkins for me is number one there’s no getting away from that,” the former Villa star added. “You need somebody else you can’t go through a full campaign as well as Europe just having one striker.”

Iheanacho, a proven goalscorer, has Champions League experience, having scored twice in three games for Manchester City in the 2016/17 season.

He is also one of Nigeria's top performers in Premier League history, with 42 goals and 25 assists in 196 appearances.