This Norwegian post indicates former Molde central defender Vegard Forren could be on his way to Aston Villa. The Norway international spent the early part of 2017 with Brighton and Hove Albion, where he failed to make a single appearance.
Steve Bruce continues to look far and wide for a new center back to replace/compete with Tommy Elphick. This time, he’s looking back in England with some international flavor.
Vegard Forren, 29, is a vastly experienced defender. From 2007-2016 he’s primarily been at Norway-based, Molde, one of the most distinguished clubs from the country. He won three league titles and two Norwegian Football Cups over this span.’
Forren moved to Southampton on a three-year deal in 2012, but again, did not appear once for the Saints. He returned to Norway one year later.
Forren is available on a free after signing with Brighton for just a handful of months back in March.
Forren remains a regular within the Norway set-up, where he has 33 caps to his name. His last professional appearance was in November when the Norwegian Tippeligaen completed play. He’s a bit under-sized for a central defender standing at 6’1″. This normally would not be an issue, but two separate stints in England without a single appearance is a slight cause for concern.
Not appearing with Brighton after joining in March is understandable. The Seagulls ended up second, back into the Premier League with talent in central defense, mainly Lewis Dunk.
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For Aston Villa, Forren doesn’t exactly seem to be the type of central defender to compete with incumbents James Chester and Nathan Baker. Being on a free transfer, he could replace Tommy Elphick as the third central defender in the squad, but it’s risky.
He’s entirely unproven in England and a sale of Elphick to raise funds won’t exceed past £2 million. He could, however, add to the depth without a sale of the former Bournemouth captain.