The 36-year-old is in need of a club and Aston Villa are in need of a striker; win-win?
The inference was clear. Steve Bruce may not have handed a soundbite on a platter but the tabloids lapped it up regardless, as reported by the Daily Mail.
After a performance for Tottenham against Bruce’s Wigan Athletic that truly summed up the enigma that is Dimitar Berbatov, touches and flashes of sheer magisterial brilliance underpinned by languid strolls and shrugging shoulders, the Bulgarian only intensified the comparisons with another suave maverick and the Latics boss’ one-time team-mate – Eric Cantona.
“He just makes it look so easy that you wonder whether he can do more,” said Bruce, asking the eternal question surrounding Berbatov. “He reminds me of . . . top players in the way he links the play.”
When asked to elaborate, Bruce’s grin rather gave himself away. “Don’t go there,” he replied, a glint in his eye. “I can see the headlines already.”
That was nine years ago but, right now, Bruce’s Aston Villa are desperately in need of a striker, the manager admitting that he had been scouring the free agents market after injuries decimated his squad and left him with only Jonathan Kodjia available.
And Berbatov, as he has made clear on numerous occasions, is desperate to kick-start his playing career after being released by PAOK, the Daily Mail add.
Despite his advancing years, he’s now closer to 40 than 30, just imagine the impact he could have on a club seemingly struggling for identity or an inspiration. Villa’s squad is chock-full of workhorses but few possess the ability to create something out of nothing – as epitomised by the frustrating draws and one-goal defeats.
Berbatov, however, could be the player they are crying out for. He may be a passenger at times but the odd stroll is worth it for those moments of magic.
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