The Villains have been a talking point this season with a number of eye catching performances, most notably their 2-0 victory at Arsenal. They weren’t that impressive at the start of the season, but have notched up some consistent performances of late and sit one point out of the top four. But what is lacking from their side?
They haven’t had a problem finding the back of the net, but it is more so defending their own. Their ‘lucky’ 3-2 win at Everton was a game where the two goals conceded were from a centre half, and whilst they have defended well in some games, they need to step up if they want to break the top four. However, there has hardly been any rumour, well that we know of, that more players will be added during the window. Martin O’Neil has been tight lipped about it all, but one would think a defender or perhaps defensive midfielder is needed.
With all the talk surrounding players leaving the club rather than players coming in, it would be understandable for fans to be asking questions. The Gareth Barry saga is set re-ignite, and even though he has committed to Villa after bids from the likes of Liverpool in the summer, if he does goes, O’Neil would certainly have to look at bringing in another solid midfielder.
But what player they could bring in with the money they have at the moment, I’m not sure. Although if Barry were to leave, the fee Villa would receive for him might allow them to get nearly any player they need. The other position is up front. Injured striker Carew is set to be out for longer than first thought, and it has been revealed that Swede Henrik Larsson is set to make the move to the club. He would be a great signing as he has proven that he scores almost everywhere he goes. As well as bringing goals, he would bring mountains of experience, and would surely only benefit Villa in their mission for a top four spot, and as a free agent, what’s to lose?
My Transfer: Henrik Larsson (Free Agent)
As mentioned before, all the talk around Villa has again been about Gareth Barry. Will he stay? Will he go? We can not be sure until February 1st 2009. We saw him pleading with O’Neil and the club to let him complete a ‘dream’ move to Liverpool, but the club wouldn’t budge with their asking price for Barry, and Liverpool were not prepared to go beyond their set price for the gifted midfielder. However, speculation is starting to gather momentum as Manchester City has recently said they will launch a bid for Barry in January.
The other player gaining some interest is the out of favour Harewood. Rumours suggest that Stoke City have prepared a £4 million offer for the striker in January. With the striker limited to a substitute role for most of the current season, he may want to observe his options come January.
In the end, these two players are the ones most likely to leave Villa. After hearing of Manchester City’s apparent big bid for Barry in January, I think it may be at a price that Villa simply would not be able to resist if Barry wanted to go.
My Most Likely To Leave: Gareth Barry
Who do you think will leave Aston Villa this January? Who will MON bring in?
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