Aston Villa have seemingly been in stasis this term. After a rousing end to last season many thought they would improve again this year.
But 12 months on and Aston Villa find themselves on the cusp of another relegation dog fight. Paul Lambert remains a popular figure at Aston Villa but he won’t get too much longer to consolidate the squad and improve results.
He needs to have another brilliant transfer window, like the one that brought Christian Benteke to the club. Latest reports suggest that Aston Villa will attempt to do some mouthwatering business this summer.
The Daily Mail says:
Javier Hernandez is a shock transfer target for Aston Villa, who are set to raise their recruitment ambitions this summer in a bid to avoid another season of struggle.
The Manchester United striker, 25, is among players Villa manager Paul Lambert has identified as being attainable should the side stay up. Lewis Holtby is also a target.
We really like both of these players. In truth we can’t see Aston Villa snaring Chicharito however. At 25 the Mexico international may well leave Manchester United this summer after spending long periods on the bench. But his nose for goals (he’s scored at a rate of 1 in 2 in his time at Manchester United) means that he will be courted by many teams around Europe if he does become available.
Holtby represents a more realistic target and, for our money, he’s an undervalued player who will mature into an important midfielder. His career stalled at Tottenham but he’s an all-rounder with pace in the pass and a good engine – pretty much what you would expect from a quality German midfielder.
Meanwhile The Guardian intimates that Aston Villa may make a move for that epitome of undervalued solidity Joleon Lescott:
Paul Lambert is also being linked with Manchester City outcast Joleon Lescott
If Lambert can bring Lescott into the defence it’s got to be a no-brainer. But let’s take a look at Chicharito in action. Aston Villa fans – is he a realistic target?
