OPINION
The once huge gulf in class between the Premier League and the Championship has disappeared in recent years, with the likes of midlands rivals West Brom and Aston Villa showcasing some top class talent in the second tier.
The two clubs both managed to convince players from England’s elite to drop down into the Championship, with the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Dwight Gayle, Tammy Abraham and Harvey Barnes all joining their respective sides to improve the quality of the division.
Having seen the likes of Rafael Benitez and now Marcelo Bielsa manage in the league, it goes to show that it is not the rough and tumble competition it once used to be, and so it can now tempt players who would once upon a time not given the option a second look.
However, there are still some moves which look out of reach for the second tier sides, which is why fans at Villa Park would have been left stunned when they read a report from Calciomercato linking their side with a move for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.
The 33-year-old has not made a single appearance for the Gunners this season due to injury and the report says that he is free to leave the Emirates Stadium – linking Aston Villa as a potential shock destination.
However, if he is indeed going to make a stunning move to the midlands and the Championship, it must be West Brom who snap him up, breaking the hearts of their rivals and strengthening a shaky looking defensive line.
A veteran for both club and country, Koscielny would be head and shoulders above the defenders not only at the Hawthorns but the rest of the Championship and the opposition forwards would have a torrid time trying to beat him at the back.
At the moment there only looks like one club from the midlands pair who look to be destined for a return to the top flight and it is not Villa, Darren Moore’s men flying high courtesy of their potent attack – but their defence has let them down on occasion.
Koscielny’s experience would be a huge boost to securing a place back in the Premier League and a highly incentivised contract could be the way to seal his signature – dashing the hopes of Villa in the process.