Sunderland midfielder Larsson, who has played under the Aston Villa boss at two different clubs, is out of contract this summer.
Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson
Sebastian Larsson’s immediate focus is perhaps keeping Sunderland out of next season’s Championship. But, whichever way it pans out, could the Swede be heading there regardless this summer?
Out of contract at the end of the campaign, Larsson is sure to feature on Steve Bruce’s list of transfer targets at Aston Villa, who appear destined for another year outside the top flight.
Bruce, who brought Larsson to Sunderland in the first place, has already captured one of his former players in Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane, a player he also managed at the Stadium of Light, and is unlikely to stop there – providing, of course, he is still in work this summer.
One would assume that the idea of playing under Bruce at a third club would appeal to Larsson, and a player of his ilk would be ideal for an Aston Villa side desperately lacking in creativity.
He may turn 32 this year, but the former Arsenal man could hold the key to getting the likes of Jonathan Kodjia and Scott Hogan properly firing at Villa Park.
Impressively, only two of the 13 seasons in which Larsson has appeared professionally were not as a Premier League player – both while at Villa’s rivals Birmingham City, and both ending in a return to the top tier.
Former Birmingham City duo Sebastian Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner celebrate promotion
Could a third spell under Bruce bring Larsson’s third promotion?
Would Sunderland’s Sebastian Larsson be a good signing for Aston Villa?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
