Newcastle want Alan Judge but so do Aston Villa?
Aston Villa have emerged as contenders to sign Brentford winger Alan Judge, the Birmingham Mail reported yesterday.
This comes just one day after The Sun reported Newcastle were keen on pursuing a move for the Northern Ireland ace, having been keen back in the summer, before he suffered an injury.
Alan Judge celebrates after scoring the first goal for Brentford from the penalty spot
On the face of it, Newcastle United are by far and away a more attractive club for Judge to join. They sit top of the Championship and Judge is likely to find himself playing Premier League football next season, while picking up a league winner’s medal in the process.
Yet Newcastle’s options out wide include Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu, and Judge is no certainty to get regular football, while he may also concern himself that further buying upon Newcastle’s return to the top flight could minimise his chances.
Aston Villa meanwhile are at present just outsiders to make the play-offs.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
They sit in 13th position after an inconsistent start, and their mixed bag of form makes breaking into the first team far easier for a new signing.
Villa are short of wide players, with Albert Adomah, but unlike Judge he plays predominantly on the right.
Steve Bruce’s proven man management skills make him a boss who players want to play for, and while Rafa Benitez has his own draw, the Villa boss can hope he has a fair chance of swaying the in demand Brentford ace.
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