Flurry of Aston Villa Transfer Rumors
By Josh Tonti
![WATFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Joleon Lescott of Aston Villa reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Aston Villa at Vicarage Road on April 30, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) WATFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Joleon Lescott of Aston Villa reacts during the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Aston Villa at Vicarage Road on April 30, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f7895566a8251d85134227552782074a15eacb8f6e12b20f7c9b592f16a0ca77.jpg)
Aston Villa is set to take on Bristol City in their fifth match of the league at Ashton Gate. With a handful of days before Transfer Deadline Day, let’s round-up all the news and rumors.
Reports out of Greece indicate Joleon Lescott has agreed to personal terms with Greek side AEK Athens. Over a week after he rejected a move to Rangers in Scotland citing “family reasons,” Lescott is finally on the move away from Villa Park. If, however, this deal unexpectedly falls through, I fully expect Aston Villa to release him from his contract. Finding any team to take on his wages is proving nearly impossible.
OFFICIAL: Joe Bennett moves to fellow Championship rivals Cardiff City on a free transfer.
Transfer news: Good luck to @JoeBennett27, who has today joined @CardiffCityFC. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/5EeCGt6Nqb
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 27, 2016
Robert Di Matteo sees sufficient left back cover in his squad; allowing him to sanction a move to Cardiff in order to revive Bennett’s career. With Jordan Amavi and Aly Cissokho on the books, it was unlikely Joe Bennett would feature at all being third choice on the totem pole.
According to The Sun, Jores Okore completed a medical late last night in Denmark. The team, Danish champions FC Copenhagen, will compete in the Champions League group stages this season. They were drawn in Group G alongside Leicester City, Club Brugge, and FC Porto.
More from Claret Villans
- Aston Villa dismiss Everton for first win of Premier League season
- Tyrone Mings injured in Aston Villa’s season-opening 5-1 defeat
- Aston Villa draw Hibernian or FC Luzern for Europa Conference League play-off
- Aston Villa sign winger Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen
- Aston Villa close in on deal to sign Pau Torres from Villareal
From Championship to Champions League? Not a bad deal for Jores Okore. It’s been clear from the start this campaign that he would never reach his potential here at Aston Villa. A cut-price deal back to his native homeland should satisfy all parties.
Last rumor for good measure: Micah Richards has been linked to a move in Turkey. Turkish side Trabzonspor are looking to bring in Richards whether on loan or permanent basis.
Clearing out the squad was always a necessary practice for this club. In order to bring in fresh signings, the dead weights had to move on.