Reports in the media are suggesting that Aston Villa are interested in midfielders from Championship rivals Middlesborough and Wigan Athletic. Adam Clayton (Boro) and Nick Powell (Wigan) have been linked to a move to Villa Park.
Adam Clayton
It was reported in the Yorkshire Post that Aston Villa are one of several clubs interested in signing the 28-year-old midfielder. Clayton has fallen out of favour at Boro this season which has interested several clubs to his availability.
Clayton has played thirteen times this season and is yet to register a goal or assist. He does have five yellow cards and passes at 89.4% accuracy. He did play in the goalless draw at Villa Park in September.
Having played for Huddersfield and Leeds in the past, it suggests that his preference would be to stay in the north of England. Leeds appear to be favourites at this point to sign the player.
Nick Powell
According to the Express, Steve Bruce has already enquired about the availability of Wigan’s attacking midfielder. The report says that Wigan are not interested but Bruce will try again once some “deadwood” has been moved on.
Powell is having a good season in League One where he has eleven goals from 22 appearances. Also, the 23 year old has played twice for England U21s in the past. The ex-Manchester United player has already played under Bruce at Hull so clearly, the Villa manager rates the player.
The player is predominantly a midfielder but can play up front. His attacking ability may add an extra dimension to Villa’s attack. His similarity to Josh Onomah could signal that Spurs may be exercising their recall option.
Next: Who could be on their way to Villa Park?
The link to Nick Powell feels far more credible than to Adam Clayton. Powell’s attacking nature, and Bruce’s previous experience of the player, suggest this could play out further. Also, Aston Villa fans know how keen Bruce is to stick with players he rates!
Adam Clayton is unlikely to move to Villa Park. He would be competing with Glenn Whelan for a role to, hopefully, back up Mile Jedinak in midfield. It would be surprising if there were was much more than idle speculation in this story.