OPINION
The transfer market may have slammed shut in terms of acquring players on a permanent basis, but clubs still have until August 31st to complete any loan deals for players that they have their eye on.
The same goes for Aston Villa, who according to Football Insider, are chasing Nottingham Forest centre-back Joe Worrall along with the likes of Rangers and Celtic.
Boss Steve Bruce needs to trump the Scottish Premier League duo to the signature of the 21-year-old ace, who would be the perfect player to replace John Terry after he departed the club a few months ago.
Signing Worrall would be a masterstroke by Bruce, who needs another centre-back to bolster his ranks ahead of a second promotion push this season.
Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak – who largely operates as a defensive midfielder – has had to fill in at centre-back alongside James Chester while the club seeked out a player to fill the void left by Terry.
Terry was at the heart of Villa’s promotion campaign last season, and was an integral figure in helping them reach the Play-Off Final due to his vast amount of experience.
Worrall – who stands at 6’3″ [Transfermarkt] tall – may not have the same experience as the veteran defender, but he certainly has the attributes to match.
Bruce is said to be a keen admirer of the Forest enforcer, and it is no wonder why – his towering presence in the box and ability to block set pieces are just a few of his assets that could help him succeed at Villa Park.
The club faithful are undoubtedly wanting a player who can fill the boots of one of their favourites, and they may have just found him in the shape of the young ace.
Celtic and Rangers may prove to be stiff competition to secure the capture of the defender, but Bruce has the advantage of offering Worrall regular first-team football in the same league as well the lure of potential Premier League football next season.
He must now pull out all of the stops to sign Worrall, who is the perfect successor to Terry.