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Aston Villa: Rating attainability, Gary Cahill or Scott McKenna?

By Josh Tonti

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Gary Cahill of Chelsea signs autographs prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Gary Cahill of Chelsea signs autographs prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Two centre-backs, in vastly different times of their careers, expected to be available during the January transfer window. Can Aston Villa realistically land either Gary Cahill or Scott McKenna?

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is expected to make a move for at least one defender during the January transfer window. Specifically, a new left-back and another centre-back to supplement the incumbent starters seems likeliest.

Aberdeen and Scotland defender Scott McKenna was the subject of a Villa bid from Steve Bruce on Deadline Day. A deal never materialized so late in the summer, but he again is attracting interest from, “Just about every club in the English Championship and the Premier League.”, per Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes.

McKenna, 22, impressed in Scotland’s 4-0 UEFA Nations League victory in Albania on Saturday. Goals from James Forrest, Ryan Fraser, and Steven Fletcher ensured three points in League C, Group 1. A follow-up win vs. Israel should be enough to earn promotion for Alex McLeish’s team.

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Could Dean Smith revisit McKenna and make an offer?

It’s entirely possible, but, the price tag might become prohibitive. Aston Villa’s £7 million offer was largely rejected due to timing. It came in too late for Aberdeen to sanction a move. They were not prepared to lose the player, even if the valuation was fair.

Now, however, after captaining Scotland and another season of Scottish Premiership under his belt, that £7 million price is probably in the double-digits – especially if reports are true that many are chasing his signature. With FFP looming and a starting position not assured, McKenna doesn’t seem attainable currently, even if he would be an awesome signing.

Former Villa centre-back Gary Cahill will be available for loan in January, effectively ending his eight-season run with Chelsea FC. Is a reunion possible?

Probably not, but Villa would be foolish not to ask. Yes, Cahill is not a long-term option at the position; which is what the club needs, in my opinion. But he does fill a need that isn’t cost prohibitive that would allow the club to address another area of the pitch. A trio of James Chester, Axel Tuanzebe, and Gary Cahill assures the claret and blues will have excellent centre-back play from January to May.

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