Villa midfielder drawing interest from Crystal Palace, Hull City, and Malaga

We brought you news earlier in the week that Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway was interested in bringing in erstwhile Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan. It appears that, though he remains the frontrunner for the Scot's services, he may have some competition. Hull City and La Liga club Malaga are both reportedly looking at adding Bannan to their squad before the transfer deadline closes on Monday night.

After a bout of early success under Gerard Houllier - a heady time during which Bannan earned the nickname Bazza - the midfielder was generally poor for Aston Villa, prone to poor decision making more often then not. And that's not to mention his off-the-field arrest for drink driving. Nevertheless, Bannan, who doesn't turn 24 until December, has enough raw talent and is young enough to make a contribution somewhere. It's apparent that his time at Aston Villa is done, but it would be great to see him succeed somewhere. Unlike Shay Given and Stephen Ireland, however, he's not on such a large contract that it's really a financial priority for Aston Villa.

I imagine we'll see him head somewhere before the deadline, but I doubt the club will be getting too much back for him. We'll be sure to let you know if and when he does move.

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