OPINION
Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner is reportedly being targeted by Championship rivals Barnsley.
Sun correspondent Alan Nixon revealed on his personal Twitter account that the 25-year-old could leave the Midlands giants on a short-term basis.
It is understood that the academy product could be sent out on loan by Steve Bruce’s side and that Barnsley are interested in his signature.
Good move for Villa?
Gardner is yet to feature for Villa in the new season and should be shipped out if he is not deemed good enough by Bruce.
The central midfielder has always been a steady performer since his breakthrough into the first team, but has failed to set the world alight and has been pushed down the pecking order.
They now have the likes of Mile Jedinak, Henri Lansbury, Glenn Whelan, Conor Hourihane, Birkir Bjarnason and Josh Onomah that are all preferred in the central midfield position.
Barnsley are unlikely to be competing at the top-end of the table so Villa don’t need to worry about sending Gardner to a Championship rival.
However, getting rid of Gardner on a permanent basis would be a better solution to a loan move.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Gardner did managed 27 appearances across all competitions last season for Villa, but seems destined to leave during this summer transfer window.
He is yet to get a look in during the new campaign and a switch to another Championship side seems probable.
However, Barnsley’s interest may not lead to a deal as they already have an overload of central midfielders in their squad and Gardner could overcrowd things.
There is every chance Gardner could be on the move before the window closes and he should have several suitors if he becomes available
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10