Aston Villa were prepared to battle Derby County for Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley – but The Rams have turned their attentions elsewhere.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce’s transfer plans may just have become a little more straightforward.
With Aston Villa’s penchant for conceding sloppy goals preventing them from putting together a realistic charge for the top six last season, it appears that Bruce has made reinforcing his backline a top priority this summer.
And Newcastle United outcast Grant Hanley appeared to be at the top of his shopping list – despite his reputation suffering thanks to an entire season on The Magpies’ bench.
According to The Chronicle, Villa are interested in handing the Scotland international an escape route just twelve months after Hanley moved to Newcastle from Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £5.5 million.
Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley started just five Championship games last season
The report added that Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are in desperate need of experienced additions, and Derby County were also hoping to make Hanley one of their summer signings.
However, the Derby Telegraph reported on Wednesday morning that The Rams have quickly tied up a two-year deal for Hull City centre-back Curtis Davies. The 32-year-old was allowed to leave The Tigers for just £500,000 following their relegation from the Premier League, making Davies one of the potential bargains of the summer (The Mirror)
Curtis Davies won promotion with Hull in 2015/16
As a result, Derby boss Gary Rowett now has a raft of Championship experience to choose from at centre-half with Alex Pearce, Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh already on the club’s books.
Consequently, it would be a surprise if a Derby side needing to reinforce both in midfield and up front would still be willing to pay a hefty fee to land Hanley this summer.
As such, Villa may have a perfect opportunity to make the Scot their first signing of the transfer window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
