OPINION
With Aston Villa pushing for a top six spot in the Championship this season fans will be hoping that their side can ensure they have the best squad possible heading into the second half of the campaign.
Transfer rumours are flying around Villa Park just days after the opening of the January window and while there is plenty of speculation about who could be joining Dean Smith and his men, there is also plenty to be said about those who might be on their way out.
Tammy Abraham, Villa’s dazzling striker on loan from Chelsea, has been garnering a lot of attention from elsewhere and could well be heading out the exit door if the Blues choose to green light a deal, while forgotten forward Ross McCormack, who spent time on loan in Australia, has also been tipped for a move, this time north of the border into Scotland.
Now the rumours surrounding the 32-year-old are coming to fruition, with Smith himself making the major admission that the Scottish striker is closing in on a move – although somewhat surprisingly has had no contact with the hitman himself.
He told the Daily Record (18:57): “I believe there could be another loan in order (for Ross). I have not spoken to him. I have not actually met him yet.
“Richard O’Kelly has three or four players on loan he keeps in touch with. JT has the others. They keep me updated with what is happening with them. I’m led to believe there could be a deal close.”
Now, with Abraham’s future on the line you would have thought an experienced Championship forward with a proven record of goals – 120, to be precise – in the division would be exactly what Smith would want at his disposal, so why he has not spoken to McCormack is a baffling decision.
He is shooting himself in the foot by not opening a line of discussion with the outcast, who was thrown to the wayside by Steve Bruce but should have no problems reintegrating himself into the senior setup.
If Abraham leaves, or even if he stays, McCormack should at least be given the chance to talk to the manager – this is poor management from Smith.