Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis has been encouraged to sign for Nottingham Forest permanently although his Premier League quality has been questioned.
The 24-year-old forward has been at the City Ground on a temporary basis since January 2022 where he has played a key role in the Reds' promotion to the Premier League.
He scored five goals and contributed two assists in 15 appearances as the Reds reached the top-flight for the first time in 23 years and he has since been linked with a £15m permanent move to Forest.
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In an interview with Football Insider, former Villa defender Alan Hutton said the time is right for Davis to depart Villa Park.
The former Scotland international said: "I think it’s time for him to move on. It’s been difficult for him at Villa. He was outstanding at first, and showed real ability leading that line – but then injury kicked in. He was in and out a lot.
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"This is a real opportunity now to go to another big club in Nottingham Forest and lead the line, be the main man. He can prove to everyone that he can do that, stay fit, and score goals. The main question of him will be – can he do it in the Premier League?
"I think he’s got all the attributes, but it’s just up to him to put the ball in the back of the net. Moving on and playing week-in, week-out – it will only be a good thing for him."
The comments come after former Villa captain turned top-flight pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor called on Villa to sanction a sale to the Reds this summer. The three cap England international does, though, admit that a deal depends on Forest not turning their attention elsewhere after attaining promotion.
"It all depends on Forest," Agbonlahor told Football Insider. "Forest have got the whole world to look at now they are into the Premier League.
"The good thing about Davis is that he will not demand big wages. He won’t be on big wages now at Villa. It makes sense at a £15million fee, and Keinan Davis will not be demanding silly wages.
"That makes sense for Forest and for Villa as well. I really like Keinan Davis, but he’s not the answer for Aston Villa. It’s the right thing for Aston Villa to cash in on him, and that £15million can be reinvested."
