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In a surprise move, Ciaran Clark is poised to leave Villa after Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United activated his £5.1 million release clause.
The 26 year old has been at Villa all of his academy and senior playing career, and despite early promise, never progressed into the complete footballer.
Clark has commitment and drive aplenty, but is routinely plagued by indifferent form and often frustrating repeated mistakes. This is well evidenced through his periods in and out of the Villa squad as much as his mixed fortunes at international level for the Republic of Ireland.
Clark, who was recently linked to our local neighbours West Brom, underwent a medical on the 2nd August and is expected to be unveiled imminently.
Roberto Di Matteo appears to have made a huge call having had an eye-watering £14 million pound bid for Fulham’s Ross McCormack accepted.
With Villa’s attacking options decidedly limited and with little evidence of huge hope from Gestede, Kozak or Agbonlahor, we have clearly taken the decision to act.
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The consistent Scotsman was widely reported to be joining promotion rivals Norwich before Villa upped the ante with an improved offer to The Cottagers.
29 year old McCormack, transferred for £11 million from Leeds in 2014, scored 21 goals last season in a Fulham side that finished 20th in The Championship.
Subject to personal terms and a successful medical, Villa should have a new striker in place for the opening away fixture at Sheffield Wednesday this Sunday.
Everton have confirmed the signing of Idrissa ‘Gana’ Gueye on a four year deal.
Gana leaves Villa for a £2 million pound loss, with a the insertion of a £7m release clause a hangover from the Tom Fox school of economics.
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Gana showed initial promise, but like so many in our relegation season, seemed to lack the physicality and the consistency required for the rigours of Premier League football. The Senegalese midfielder is certainly one to be marked as “replaceable”.
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