The midfield pair have both been linked with Aston Villa this week.
This week has seen Aston Villa linked with two central midfield options for January.
It was reported by the Mirror, among many others, that Villa were one of many teams considering a move to bring in controversial midfielder Joey Barton in on a free transfer. The Rangers midfielder has fallen foul in Glasgow and is expected to have his contract nullified this week.
Brighton’s Beram Kayal and Burnley’s Joey Barton (L) after a challenge
The Sun have however reported that Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Beram Kayal is the object of Steve Bruce’s desires for January and he wants to sign the Israeli international in the new year on the cheap – with his contract at the Amex expiring at the end of the season.
But Villa would do well not to bring in both players.
Brighton’s Beram Kayal and Burnley’s Joey Barton (R) after a challenge
The pair had a fantastic and rather robust battle in central midfield when Barton’s former club Burnley faced Brighton in the Championship last term.
Barton and Kayal both left their mark on the other man in a spirited and borderline savage display of midfield brutality in a fixture in April.
Joey Barton of Burnley after appearing to stamp on Beram Kayal of Brighton and Hove Albion
Barton came off worse in the press, but both men were happy for the needle and after the game shook hands in mutual respect of a battle in the dark arts.
Aston Villa could certainly do with one of the pair in their dressing room. Both, that might be asking for trouble.
Brighton’s Beram Kayal and Burnley’s Joey Barton at the end
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