Steve Bruce has been linked with bringing Rangers outcast Joey Barton to Aston Villa.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce is interested in signing Rangers outcast Joey Barton, report The Mirror.
The controversial midfielder is to be released by the Light Blues, and Barton has emerged as a target for the Championship side.
Joey Barton applauds fans as he is substituted
Barton is a player Bruce is well aware of, having managed teams against him on numerous occasions in the Premier League and Championship.
This included just last season while Bruce was at Hull and Barton was at Burnley in England’s second tier, a campaign which saw both clubs promoted.
Rangers’ Joey Barton arrives before the game
Bruce will realise therefore what Barton could bring to the division, but would he be willing to actually sign him?
The Sun reported back in 2009 that Bruce was interested in doing so while Barton was at Newcastle United.
Bruce was at Wigan Athletic at the time, but was restricted by a £6 million price tag on the midfielder, and he would have had to sell in order to buy.
It did not work out, but this time around, Barton is available on a free transfer. Yes he will bring plenty of baggage, but he surely will want to get his head down and prove a point, and Bruce’s man management skills could help get the best out of him.
New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce during the press conference
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