Aston Villa will launch a summer swoop to secure the return of former captain Gareth Barry should they win promotion to the Premier League, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claim in their live transfer blog (Thursday, 15:38) that the 37-year-old has a clause in his West Bromwich Albion contract that will allow him to leave if the club are relegated to the Championship, which looks highly likely.
The Mirror report that Villa will look to bring their former favourite back to the Midlands, with the club willing to offer coaching opportunities if Barry is interested.
It is said that Barry has recently put his £4.5million Cheshire home up for sale as he angles for a permanent relocation back to the Midlands.
Barry spent 12 years at Villa Park between 1997 and 2009, making more than 400 appearances for the club.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Absolutely. 100%.
Barry was a stalwart during his time at Villa Park in his early career, and has gone on to become the highest-ever appearance maker in Premier League history, with 653.
The experience that he will bring to Steve Bruce’s side if they are promoted will be absolutely crucial to their hopes of staying up next season, and he would be a perfect signing for them.
Villa have struggled to nail down a regular midfield this season, and having Barry around would hopefully solve that problem in the top-flight next term.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like a deal would be relatively easy to complete, with Barry have a clause in his deal that will allow him to leave if West Brom go down to the Championship, with the Baggies needing a miracle for that not to happen.
Another factor which makes this one look well on the cards for Villa is Barry’s desire to move back to the Midlands, with a return to Villa Park surely tempting for the veteran.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10