By Kevin Phillips

2nd May, 2022 | 1:01pm

Aston Villa news: Expert hails 'really exciting' Jacob Ramsey news after 'amazing' £18.2m update

Kevin Phillips has praised Aston Villa for moving quickly to secure the long-term future of “really exciting” midfield talent Jacob Ramsey.

The former Claret and Blue striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old is a “real asset” for the Midlands giants.

Last week (26 April), Aston Villa announced Ramsey had put pen to paper on a new five-year contract at the club – despite agreeing his previous terms just last year.

According to The Times (27 April), the England Under-21 will now earn in the region of £70,000-a-week at Villa Park – netting him a cool £18.2million across the length of his new deal.

Phillips suggested the “worry” could be keeping Ramsey grounded after his “ridiculous” bumper pay rise.

He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “The wages are ridiculous, but it’s just the going rate now – isn’t it?

“But from the manager and the club’s point of view, they’ll have wanted to get him tied down as early as possible, because he’s a real asset for the football club.

“It sounds like amazing money, and the only worry is giving that kind of money to someone as young as him. Let’s just hope he keeps his feet on the ground and he’s being advised properly.

“He’s a really exciting talent, hence why Villa have moved so quickly and paid that kind of money to keep him around.

“It’ll be interesting to see how he kicks on next season after signing this deal.”

Ramsey has netted six goals in 32 appearances across all competitions during his breakthrough season at Aston Villa.

The midfield star has been widely tipped for a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming internationals.

In other news, expert issues verdict on permanent Cameron Archer transfer after update.