Aston Villa’s failure to gain promotion is expected to hit the club financially, and several key players, including West Ham United loan star Robert Snodgrass, have already left Villa Park.
Aston Villa’s failure to gain promotion this season could hit the club financially, according to reports.
The cut-backs appear to have begun already, with all five loan players returning to their parent clubs and several others released at the end of their contracts.
Sales of key players could follow, with free signings the likely order of the summer transfer window. And Villa have already been linked with several of those in Moses Odubajo, Abel Hernandez and Sean Clare – although given his age, the latter could still command a fee.
But which others could the Villans target cheaply ahead of the new campaign? And could a former player, recently released by West Ham United, feature on their wishlist?
HITC has picked out three potential candidates…
James Collins (West Ham United)
John Terry out of contract, Axel Tuanzebe’s loan deal up and James Chester one of several saleable assets; a new centre-half could be top of Villa’s list of summer transfer window priorities. As it happens, one of their old ones, Collins, is leaving West Ham, and could be open to a Villa Park return. While the Villans have plenty of youngsters to call upon, experience could be in short supply if established players depart. Capturing Collins would help in that regard, although his top-flight wages could be an issue.
Max Clark (Hull City)
Auxiliary left-back Alan Hutton could be another player heading for the Villa Park exit door, leaving the Villans with a shortage in that position. Clark, meanwhile, looks certain to quit Hull amid interest from clubs including Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem. And the 22-year-old, who appeared 27 times in his maiden Championship campaign, could be a smart addition long-term. Clark, who should be known to Steve Bruce from the Villa boss’ time at Hull, could be available for as little as £400,000 in compensation, according to the Hull Daily Mail.
Junior Hoilett (Cardiff City)
Robert Snodgrass has returned to West Ham, while Albert Adomah is a likely target for other clubs, opening the door for at least one new winger to arrive, with the fit-again Andre Green also an option ahead of the new season. Hoilett helped Cardiff to promotion this month, but has just ‘days’ to commit to a new contract, according to his manager, Neil Warnock. The Canadian’s first team chances could be greater at Villa Park, even if his salary might not be.
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