Reports this week have suggested that by the start of the next transfer window, Gerard Houllier could allow as many as nine senior squad players leave the club. The likes of Steve Sidwell and Curtis Davies will not surprise nor concern many Aston Villa fans, but in the light of Villa’s league form this term, there is no doubt that clubs will try to exploit Aston Villa this January and look to sign some, if not all of their top players. We have highlighted three players that could leave Aston Villa this January. The quality of the Aston Villa squad would be reduced significantly if any of these three players were sold in January.
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Ashley Young
Tottenham look set to re-enter the market for Ashley Young. This season Aaron Lennon has been over-shadowed by Gareth Bale, and Harry Redknapp will be looking to address the lopsided attack he has. Ashley Young fits the bill perfectly. He is young, has pace to burn and can deliver a cross – something Lennon has always struggled with. This season, Ashley Young has scored two league goals and assisted four. This is a decent record playing for a Villa side who have struggled going forward, furthermore, Harry Redknapp must feel Young will be able to improve on this at White Hart Lane. Tottenham are set to pull all the stops out to get their man and Young’s time at Villa Park looks set to be coming to an end. Tottenham are going places, Aston Villa are regressing at best under Houllier’s management.
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Stephen Warnock
Clubs across the Premier League have been put on alert and will be monitoring the situation of Stephen Warnock. The Aston Villa left back who went to the World Cup this summer, looks set to be offloaded by Gerrard Houllier, something that will surprise and maybe anger many Aston Villa fans. A host of top clubs will be in the market to sign the left back. Warnock is a very good left back and has been a consistent performer for Aston Villa. Bolton and Sunderland may lead the early race to sign Warnock, but if the defender was to become publicly available, clubs from the top six would take a serious look at the left back.
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Gabby Agbonlahor
A major concern for Aston Villa fans must be the reported interest from Manchester United in Gabriel Agbonlahor. The striker has looked out of sorts this season and Sir Alex Ferguson could be set to pounce for the striker. His raw pace and technical ability make him an ideal suit for Old Trafford, as well as his ability to play out wide. Agbonlahor could play off Dimitar Berbatov or play wide of Wayne Rooney, his versatility making him an excellent option for Manchester United. If Manchester United went for Agbonlahor, could the striker turn down the opportunity to play at one of the world’s biggest clubs? With Villa in steep decline, has Agbonlahor’s time at Villa Park come to an end?
