Two missed targets that Aston Villa should sign in January
Aston Villa are off to a disappointing start to the 2018/19 campaign. Having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, Steve Bruce’s side find themselves sitting 12th in the table, with just nine points from six games.
The summer window was far from ideal for the Villans and there are a number of issues Bruce must deal with across the field. If they are to get back into contention for another tilt at promotion, they must dip their toes into the January transfer window and strengthen the squad. To that end, here are two players they must look to sign after failing to do so in the summer;
Scott McKenna (Aberdeen)
As per reports from the Scottish Sun, the Midlands outfit had a deadline day bid rejected for the Scottish international. However, they should definitely make another attempt at signing him in the winter.
Villa’s feeble defence has been one of the biggest headaches for Bruce this season. Following John Terry’s exit at the end of last season, the club also loaned out the experienced Tommy Elphick. As a result, the manager has been deploying Mile Jedinak alongside James Chester but the duo has looked anything but assured in the heart of the defence.
McKenna is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Scottish Premiership and has been an integral part of the Aberdeen side that finished as runners-up behind Celtic for the past couple of seasons. Strong and physical, the 21-year-old is comfortable playing out from the back and has a bright future ahead. Signing him would certainly stabilize the shaky Villa defence.
Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace)
Villa made an enquiry to sign the 32-year-old midfielder on loan last month (h/t Birmingham Mail). And a January raid must be considered by the Championship outfit.
Puncheon had been sidelined since the festive period last year with an ACL injury and has only recently returned to full fitness. The versatile midfielder has made just a solitary appearance this term, which came in a cup game. Considering the options available at Roy Hodgson’s disposal, his game time is likely to be curtailed further.
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The Englishman is a vastly experienced customer with over 190 appearances in the Premier League and has plenty of experience in the lower leagues as well. In fact, he has made 111 appearances in the League One and 21 in the Championship. Able to play anywhere in the middle of the park, the 32-year-old will add more competition and depth to the Villa squad.
