Aston Villa are reportedly confident of landing Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan.
Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan in action with Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama
According to The Irish Sun, Aston Villa are confident of signing Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan this summer after opening talks to sign him.
Whelan, 33, made his name with Sheffield Wednesday before a 2008 move to Stoke, where he has now racked up almost 350 appearances in a successful spell at the bet365 Stadium.
Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan in action with Everton’s Morgan Schneiderlin
A Republic of Ireland international with 79 caps to his name, Whelan has been a mainstay for club and country under the likes of Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes and Martin O’Neill, with many managers appreciating his determination in the heart of midfield.
Now though, Whelan’s place could be under threat after Stoke brought in fellow veteran midfielder Darren Fletcher from West Bromwich Albion, and he could leave the Potters despite having a year left on his contract with the club.
Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob
The Irish Sun report that Aston Villa are confident of signing Whelan ahead of Premier League side Burnley, with talks allegedly opened with Stoke over a possible deal.
Manager Steve Bruce could have the likes of Mile Jedinak, Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury at his disposal, but he may want the added experience of Whelan in his midfield options.
Crystal Palace’s James McArthur in action with Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan
It’s unclear just how much Villa would have to pay for Whelan, but a two-year deal could be on the table according to the report, with Whelan facing a big decision this summer.
He could either challenge Fletcher and fight for his place at Stoke with the risk of sitting on the bench, or he can drop down a division, play regularly and attempt to help Villa win promotion; a potentially tough call.
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