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Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images

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Aston Villa should consider Thomas Vermaelen in January

Mathew Nash
Mathew Nash

This week has seen Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen linked with a move back to the Premier League.

, the former Arsenal man is available in January for a fee in the region of £4 million. His current contract expires in the summer and Barcelona have no intention of retaining him beyond the end of the season.

The report mentions that Watford and Southampton are keen on the former Arsenal player.

But whilst the Premier League remains his ultimate goal, surely Aston Villa should throw their name in the hat?

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Team captains Thomas Vermaelen (L) of Arsenal and John Terry of Chelsea after handing in the team sheets before the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

They may be in the Championship, but Aston Villa are undoubtedly a team of Premier League status.

They are also desperately short at centre-back. The club lost John Terry and Chris Samba in the summer and currently have just James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe as recognised options.

Vermaelen would be a perfect recruit. Of course, Aston Villa would want to get the £4 million asking price down whilst Vermaelen would need to be flexible on his current wages.

However, he could be another shrewd veteran addition, just like Terry was last season. The Belgian would have the hope of returning to the Premier League and regular football at Villa Park.

It is certainly an option Aston Villa should take under consideration.