Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Villa Launching De La Red Raid?

According to press reports in Spain, Aston Villa have made a £9.5million move for Real Madrid’s Spanish international midfielder Ruben De la Red - which could spark a wave of competitive bids from other English Premier League sides.

Spanish international midfielder Ruben De la Red

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has reactivated his interest in Ruben De la Red, a member of Spain‘s triumphant European Championship squad this summer, amid signs that Real Madrid could be ready to trade.

Although O’Neill has signed midfielder Steve Sidwell from Chelsea, he is still looking to strengthen his squad, and De la Red would fit the bill. He has also interested Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Everton, and Villa’s move could trigger a scramble.

De la Red, 23, came through the ranks at the Bernabeu and made an impact last season on loan to Getafe under Michael Laudrup. He has still only made 10 Primera Liga appearances for Real - all as a substitute.

But his performances for Getafe last season dramatically raised his profile, and Real have called him back into their first team squad for next season. Nevertheless, he will be under intense competition for a starting role with Los Merengues, so a transfer may not be out of the question.

It is rumoured that as well as O’Neill, both Juande Ramos and Arsene Wenger are keen toi secure the Spaniard’s services - linking with Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal in place of the departed Mathieu Flamini, or adding strength, balance and technical ability to the Spurs midfield.

But if Villa press home their interest and secure De la Red, it would not only make the departure of Gareth Barry both easier to bear and more likely, it would also underline the seriousness of Villa’s challenge in the coming campaign.

De la Red himself has been complimentary about the English game. He is quoted as having said: “It’s always nice when your work is acknowledged by important English and Spanish clubs - it means you are making progress and that you’re on the right track.

“It helps me want to do even better. I haven’t shut the door to any club.

“I like the Premiership and how people live the matches over there.”

No comments:

Blog Archive

 

If You Want To Exchange: All4All@hotmail.com
All4All