Aston Villa senior player keen to move on with a number of English clubs eyeing him – report
By Harvey Byrne
Senior Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner is keen to move away from Villa Park this summer with a number of Championship clubs eyeing him, according to a report.
The Daily Mail have claimed on their website that the 25-year-old, who hasn’t travelled in Steve Bruce’s squad for the pre-season tour of German is emerging as a target for a “host” of English clubs.
Midlands and Championship rivals Nottingham Forest are specifically named in the report and it is also detailed that the prestigious side attempted to sign him permanently in January after impressing in two previous loan spells.
Gardner, who has three years remaining on his contract at Aston Villa played in 27 matches in all competitions last season with his single goal coming in a 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Birmingham in October.
But, with the signing of Glenn Whelan he is now expected to be pushed further down the pecking order of Bruce’s team.
Football Insider verdict:
After breaking through the youth team at Villa in 2011 as a bright prospect, Gardner’s career at the Midlands giants has stalled and he has since played just 45 times, returning one goal. A permanent move away for the midfielder could now be the best move for hi as he looks to restart his career. At 25 he is also near to reaching his peak years and it is clear that Villa don’t see him as an immediate starter. Therefore, Villa should certainly look to add some funds this summer with the sale of the Solihull-born midfielder.
In other Aston Villa transfer news, Villa fans have reacted to Chris Samba’s signing.
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