Henri Lansbury
Villa have been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Captain in a bid to address our woeful midfield. Lansbury who was a constant nuisance scored in this seasons 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
The 26 year old would certainly offer some vibrancy to a Villa midfield lacking in quality, goals and purpose. Additionally, after a summer of recruiting “leaders” with experience, Lansbury would offer the nous of having been promoted twice from the Championship as well. [Norwich & West Ham].
The former England youth international’s fee looks set to be tempered by having just 6 months left to run on his current deal. However, Forest are believed to be holding out for around £4 million, having already rebuffed a £2.5 million bid from Derby.
Kevin Stewart
If yet further evidence were needed of Bruce’s desire for wholesale change in the midfield, Villa are reported to have made enquiries for Liverpool’s Stewart.
Stewart was originally with Spurs’ Academy before transferring to Liverpool in 2013.
Since then the highlights have been limited to a handful of first team appearances, multiple loans and a period out injured. The new Gary Gardner? [I jest]
The 23 year old only signed a new contract with Liverpool last February, extending his stay for at least 3 more seasons.
This improvement in contractual terms hasn’t translated into increased game time however and a host of clubs are reported to be sounding out the midfielder. Given that Stewart really needs to be playing football, and can barely be considered a “youngster”, a loan might suit all parties.
Carl Jenkinson
The 24 year old Arsenal fullback is an interesting link given our difficulties at right back.
A deal for Jenkinson in the short term might represent at least an alternative to the marmite Alan Hutton. Equally, he would provide cover as Richie De Laet is a long term absentee.
Jenkinson is also linked with West Ham, but reports suggest that his poor performances previously there will inhibit a return. Equally, whilst the defender might represent an upgrade at Villa Park, his chances of establishing himself at Arsenal appear slim.
Having injured an anterior ligament last year, even a temporary move to B6 could provide a beneficial rehabilitation of both fitness and career.
Rudy Gestede
Gestede is on the brink of joining Premier League Middlesbrough in a £6 million pound deal. Full details here.
So can’t we afford 4 mil if we can and this guy will improve our midfield let’s face it Micky Mouse would be an improvement let’s just stop talking about it and get the job done.
Throw flabby in as a freebee, no one wants him at the club except Bruce, so maybe he should go as well, and bring in Rowett.
We had better not miss out on Lansbury…we need at least 2 midfielder,bacuna Westwood and Gardner is just crazy,another striker too…but in Bruce we trust,utv
we need to bring in the players who can allow the likes of mccormack and grealish to perform,,,, (or just sell them both and bring in more consistant performers)
sell ayew amavi gestede kozac gollini ,,, and spend forty mill on replacements
if this loan keeper is ok then i can accept this,,
jenkinson could be ok at this level but we need full backs who can get into attacking positions and cross effectively,,
amavi will be a fine player but we should be able to replace him and buy someone to play in front of him for what we get for him,,,
lansbury has abilities that we dont have in midfield,,, and has impressed me when i have seen him play
its a big window for us,,, bruce will know what he needs and who can get some of the below par players performing
The midfield is the engine of any team and without doubt our midfield needs to be souped up. Westwood, Gardner. Bacuna and Jedinak are not good enough. There’s no goals in any of them. Get rid of them together with their huge wages and recruit players that can defend, assist and score goals. We need someone who can thread that pass together with someone who can go box to box. They are out there. Find them!!