Aston Villa could allow forgotten men Tommy Elphick, Aaron Tshibola and Gary Gardner to make a return to the team next season, according to the Express & Star.
The newspaper claims that Villa boss Steve Bruce is considering making all three players part of his squad next season, as he plans for a third campaign in the Championship.
Elphick had been on-loan at Championship strugglers Reading, with the Royals hoping to make the move permanent, but Bruce’s transfer restrictions could scupper that move.
Gardner and Tshibola, who were on loan at Nottingham Forest and Kilmarnock respectively, may also find themselves back at Villa Park, as the club seeks money saving options.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Realistically, it’s their only move until they manage to bring funds in from player sales.
They need to plan for next season and they can’t do that if their squad is completely depleted, Bruce might be forced to swallow his pride and bring these players in from the cold, if he’s to have any chance of a successful season.
It’s not like they’re bad players, Elphick, Tshibola and Gardner are of good Championship quality, but the Villa boss was leaning on better players last season as he hoped for promotion.
This is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
Very likely, until the club’s financial problems are sorted you can expect to see previously unwanted players suddenly becoming regular starters.
Bruce will be unable to make a host of new signings to replace his outgoing stars, forcing him to do the best with what he has at his disposal, including the use of young players from the academy.
I predict a long, hard season at Villa Park.
This is Futbol rating 10/10