Burnley’s reported Gonzalo Escalante interest means Aston Villa shouldn’t give up James McArthur hope

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Crystal Palace could let James McArthur go for a bargain price – no wonder Burnley and Aston Villa are interested.

After weeks of waiting, Aston Villa have finally got their man. The Daily Mail reports that Villa have completed the signing of Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan for a fee of £1.5 million, ending his nine year association with The Potters.

A regular in Mark Hughes’ midfield at the age of 33, the Republic of Ireland international will add some much needed competition for the overused Mile Jedinak in central midfield and manager Steve Bruce will hope he can lead by example in a side that has lost their way in recent times.

The question, however, is whether Villa will also press ahead with their reported interest in James McArthur.

McArthur scored more Premier League goals last season than ever before

McArthur, like Whelan, would be fighting for a place in Bruce’s preferred three-man midfield though, with five goals to his name in the Premier League last season, the Scottish international has the energy and thrust to play further forward with his veteran counterpart controlling the play from deep.

And, according to the Birmingham Mail, Crystal Palace could let the midfielder leave for as little as £2 million – a snip in today’s outlandish market.

Therefore, even though Villa are under pressure to meet Financial Fair Play regulations, McArhtur would represent a relatively low-risk signing for such a minor fee. And with Tommy Elphick potentially heading to rivals Birmingham City, per Sky Sports, his sale could help finance a move.

The problem, however, is that Burnley will offer McArthur the chance to stay in the Premier League, as reported by The Sun (page 61, July 18^th). However, the Daily Mail claims The Clarets are also interested in Eibar enforcer Gonzalo Escalante, who could cost £6 million.

Escalante shone in La Liga for Eibar

If the Argentine signs, adding to a midfield now including former Swansea skipper Jack Cork, would Burnley cool their influence in McArthur? Villa may hope so.