Clark could leave Newcastle in January, according to a report.
Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark could be reportedly allowed to leave St. James’ Park in the January transfer window if Florian Lejeune returns to action – and Aston Villa cannot let the opportunity pass them by.
The Chronicle claim that 29-year-old Clark may become available in January, with Frenchman Lejeune currently nursing a long-term knee injury. If the latter returns by January, Clark is allowed to leave.
Championship side Villa are lacking in options at centre-back, with only Axel Tuanzebe and James Chester considered as viable options at the heart of their defence.
A centre-back is likely to be high on Aston Villa’s January shortlist, as Dean Smith looks to push Villa towards the top six of the Championship between now and May after replacing Steve Bruce last month.
Clark came through the ranks at Villa before leaving the club in 2016 to join Newcastle, helping the Toon gain promotion as Champions in May 2016. Since their promotion, though, he has been forced to feed off scraps.
The Ireland international turned out 159 appearances in all competitions for Villa and is still held in high regard by the Villa support. Indeed, landing Clark would surely delight the club’s faithful.
The only stumbling block would be the price. Newcastle signed Clark and agreed a five-year deal for a fee believed to be £5million (Sky Sports), and he still has three years remaining on that contract.
Spotrac claim that contract is £35,000 a week, and it may take some convincing for Clark to accept a contract that may have to be slightly less than that figure. But if Villa can land Clark, it would prove a useful signing.
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