OPINION
Aston Villa might have brought one man in from Swansea City during the January window but it would appear as though he was not their first choice to bolster the middle of the park.
Tom Carroll made the move from Wales to the Midlands on a loan deal until the end of the season but judging by reports it should have been Leroy Fer making the switch.
As reported by a number of sources, the Dutch international was at Villa to undergo his medical and finalise a switch but it collapsed on deadline day, leading to Carroll’s move instead.
However, the Daily Star report that it the breakdown was a result of wage demands, the Villans said to have doubts over a potential injury suffered by Fer and as such seeking to pay only a percentage of his wages.
As one of the Swans’ top talents he would not have come cheap to Villa, even if they were to not pay his full wages, and considering the financial issues suffered in the past they need to remain savvy if they are to grow as a club.
Not only that, but injury problems always have a habit of coming and biting you and you just know had Villa taken the gamble Fer would have found himself sidelined before too long.
It looks as though Villa dodged what could have been a big money bullet with Fer and the money which would have been spent on him can be stashed away for a rainy day – or summer transfer window – instead.