Aston Villa and Derby County are reportedly battling it out for both Joe Ledley and Glenn Whelan this summer.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
With Financial Fair Play restrictions limiting Aston Villa’s spending this summer, as reported by The Telegraph, manager Steve Bruce must have been praying for a free transfer like this to come around.
According to The Sun, Villa are in the race to sign Joe Ledley for nothing after he departed Crystal Palace upon the expiry of his contract.
The 30-year-old Welsh international lost his place in The Eagles’ starting XI last season but his experience and tenacity means it’s no surprise that The Sun also claim Championship rivals Derby County are interested.
The bearded battler, who is also attracting interest from China, Turkey and Germany, looks set to be one of the most in-demand players this transfer window. And his status as a free transfer only makes him more attractive to potential suitors, Villa more than most.
It’s apparent that Bruce sees defensive midfield as a position he must reinforce this summer after the club became somewhat over reliant on 32-year-old Mile Jedinak last season.
Win-Win situation?
The Sun add that experienced Stoke City favourite Glenn Whelan was one of Bruce’s primary summer targets. However, The Potters have demanded that Villa double their initial £500,000 offer for the 33-year-old – though the need to sell before they buy appears to have halted the deal for now.
Republic of Ireland’s Glenn Whelan played 38 times for club and country last season
The report adds that Derby are once again battling Villa for a transfer target and will have little difficulty meeting Stoke’s asking price.
Therefore, it would make perfect sense for Villa to turn attention to the unattached Ledley instead. Though beating Derby to one deal may leave The Rams free to nab Whelan in return.
For once, this appears to be a win-win situation.
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