Should Aston Villa look at Tottenham Hotspur youngster Tom Carroll?
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Carroll is reportedly available for transfer this January, after failing to make an impact in the first half of this season.
The Sun on Sunday reported Carroll is free to leave the club, having played just one minute of Premier League football this campaign.
While he has experience playing in the Premier League, Carroll could be a useful player for a team in the Championship, who could offer him the chance to play regularly and enjoy his football.
Tottenham’s Tom Carroll acknowledges fans after the game
As a manager with an eye for a bargain, new Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce could make a shrewd move in snapping up the central midfielder, who is now 24.
Bruce has raided Tottenham for talents in the past, buying Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Michael Dawson for Hull City, and dating further back, buying Darren Bent for the club from Sunderland.
He is still feeling out his Aston Villa squad, and Carroll would add balance in terms of ability and experience, an upgrade on Ashley Westwood in the middle. He has played in the Championship previously, with a loan spell at Queens Park Rangers.
Tottenham’s Tom Carroll in action
Tottenham would be unlikely to demand a huge price for the midfielder given his lack of game time, even though chairman Daniel Levy is a tough negotiator, and Aston Villa have the funds to ensure money is not a problem.
Carroll was a player former manager Tim Sherwood was reported to be keen on signing for Villa in 2015, the Daily Star reported at the time, but the midfielder decided to stay put.
Now it appears to be the right time to move on, and Bruce’s excellent man management skills should make him an appealing boss for Carroll to work for, with the promise of regular football for a promotion chasing team, it could be the best move he ever makes.
Tottenham’s Tom Carroll celebrates after scoring
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