Martin O’Neill will use the 12 million pounds earned from the Gareth Barry sale to bolster his defence. He has his sights set of promising Sheffield United full back Kyle Naughton. Naughton, who has impressed many is in high demand with interest from clubs like Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United. Aston Villa will make £7 million bid for his services. Reports suggest that he would be allowed to stay on at Sheffield United for another season on loan after being signed. Naughton was voted Sheffield United’s Young Player of the Year for last season.
Aston Villa are also considering Sporting Lisbon’s young star Miguel Veloso as a direct replacement for Barry. Bolton Wanderers who were interested in Veloso for a long time had €9.25 million offer rejected by Sporting. Sporting Lisbon are asking for €13.8 million for the23-year old Portugese international and Aston Villa are ready to meet the asking price. In his time at Sporting, Veloso has made 66 league appearances while earning seven caps for his national side. Veloso is keen on a move abroad. He said –
I am prepared to move abroad – but I don’t want things in doubt for the entire summer
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