Aston Villa- Player In- Gareth Barry
Aston Villa just about survived their brush with relegation last season and for much of the year, Paul Lambert’s men were many pundits favourites to go down. They managed to turn it around right at the end of the season after suffering many heavy defeats during the first few months of season, especially their 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea. Paul Lamabert stuck with youth for most of the season and his decision was just about justified but the club need to bring in some experience if they are to avoid another relegation battle. For the experience that they need, they could sign former player Gareth Barry, who currently only has one year left to run on his current contract at Manchester City and isn’t expected to play much of a role in new manager Manuel Pellegrini’s plans. Signing Barry would give Villa the experience they so desperately need and would provide leadership at difficult points in the season. Although Barry is currently on a £100,000 a week contract at City, it is unlikely he could demand such a contract due to his age and a move back to his former club might interest him, despite the frosty relationship he has with the clubs fans, which could be smoothed over after a few good performances.
Aston Villa- Player Out- Darren Bent
Bent was one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers when he joined Aston Villa but his time at Villa Park hasn’t been a happy one. Last season he struggled to hold down a regular place in the clubs first team, with Paul Lambert preferring to use Christan Benteke up front. Lambert’s decision paid off as Benteke scored 19 goals for the club and kept them in the Premier League. Bent is almost certain to leave Villa this summer following his disappointing time at the club and reports even suggest that he has been told to train away from the first team. Newcastle are thought to be front-runners for the former England frontman, while Crystal Palace and Hull City are also considering putting in a bid for Bent. Villa are thought to want around £6 million for the striker and Bent will hope that he finds his goal scoring touch at a new club.