JACOB BEDEAU

Villa have been linked to 17 year old defensive Bury “wonderkid” (how many times have we heard that one?) Jacob Bedeau.

The central defender has been impressing this season, having forced his way into the first team at the age of just 16.  Quite a feat at any level.

Fan’s of The Shakers appear to rate him highly commenting positively on his progress to date.

Particular mention has been made on his clean tackling, willingness to get forward and that he would be preferred over more senior players at Bury.  Interesting indeed.

Areas for development are are to be expected, with any criticism to date coming due to a lack of experience as much as anything else.

Villa may face stiff competition for the rising talent, with Man Utd and Liverpool (local clubs relatively speaking) reported to be keeping a watchful eye on his situation.

ANTON DONKOR

20 year old Wolfsburg winger Anton Donker is the latest European talent to be awarded with a trial at Bodymoor Heath.

The wide left player hasn’t made any senior appearances for the Bundesliga side who won their first and only title in 2009.

He does though feature in their development side (Wolfsburg II) who are in Regionalliga Nord, which sits within the fourth tier of German football.  Donker’s side currently sit 8th in a division that they have won twice in three years.

Donker is regarded as a good prospect and has already represented the German national side at Under-20 level.  He has a deal in Germany until 2020, but is available for transfer and keen for first team opportunities.

ADAMA TRAORE

If you needed any further proof that the world has gone mad, then the latest link to Traore proves it.

The incredibly raw former Villa prospect, swapped for Adomah in the summer, is heavily linked with another switch.  This time to Chelsea.

The ex-Barcelona youngster has appeared 16 times for Middlesbrough.  To date he has produced zero assists since his £7 million pound move north.

Whilst it’s easy to get excited by the raw and direct pace of the man, the rarity of any end product makes him an extreme luxury to keep.

The debate has already been had on these pages and the podcast about Adama.  Suffice to say….good luck with that one.

JOSH GINNELLY

20 year old Burnley winger is attracting interest despite only having made a handful of appearances.

Ginnelly has featured in non-league and briefly for Shrewsbury before a sudden move to Burnley two years ago.  He also had an uneventful loan spell at Walsall earlier this season.

Wingers appear to be a sudden theme, unsurprising given the current impotency of Villa’s creative options.  Bruce may well be looking to bolster his options, even by taking chances on raw or unproven talent.  What was I saying about Adama Traore?!

On his own style of play Ginnelly is quoted;

“Being a winger that’s all you can ask for really, getting the ball out wide and being allowed to do your stuff.

That’s what I enjoy, going straight at players, getting crosses in and, hopefully, getting a few goals.”