Aston Villa can snap up the former Crystal Palace midfielder for nothing this summer.
Wales midfielder Joe Ledley [left]
Long-term Steve Bruce target Joe Ledley is a free agent this summer, his former club Crystal Palace confirmed last week.
The Aston Villa manager is said to have tried to sign Ledley at Wigan Athletic, but Cardiff City would not accept the Latics’ player-plus-cash offer [The Telegraph].
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Eight-and-a-half-years on, could Bruce finally get his man at Villa Park?
Would Villa want him?
Yes. While the Villans may have strengthened heavily in central midfield earlier in the year, someone a bit more defensive-minded would not go amiss. They could certainly do worse than to consider Ledley, a player with vast Premier League and international experience – especially on a free.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley
More to the point, would he want Villa?
Why not? The Wales international has admitted he’s ready for a new challenge, even if it means dropping down a division. Villa are without question the biggest club at that level – and would perhaps pay the most handsomely, too.
How likely is a deal?
Villa are understood to be pursuing a deal for Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan instead. However, it remains to be seen whether Bruce’s side will up their reported £500,000 offer, with the Potters said to want between £800,000 and £1 million depending on who you believe. That’s particularly steep when you consider he’s three years Ledley’s senior at 33.
Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan [right]
Chances: 6/10
Should Aston Villa favour Ledley over Whelan?
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