Scotland-England friendly may feature Villa midfield target

Reports have come south from Scotland that Paul Lambert sent scouts to the Rangers-Alloa Athletic match on Saturday to check on a rising Scottish star. Lewis Macleod, the 20-year-old midfielder for Rangers, could be just what Villa need in the January window, but they will likely have to move quickly if they want to nab him before other teams begin getting interested.

Macleod has scored 11 goals in 51 appearances with Rangers, including 8 goals in just 17 appearances this season. He apparently plays either centrally or just to the left of center, and could take the place that Fabian Delph usually occupies if he were to leave. As HITC point out in their report, Rangers' financial troubles could mean that the asking price for Macleod is low enough for Aston Villa to comfortably afford, and it's exactly the type of young-player from a lower-league signing that Paul Lambert is known for. But Lambert's reluctance to use either of Jores Okore or Jack Grealish point to trust issues with truly young players, and I'd imagine that if Macleod does some research that could be a sticking point in any potential move.

If you'd like to see what the young Scot has to offer, he's in Scotland's squad for tonight's friendly against England, and may get the chance to make his senior international debut in the match at Celtic Park. That match kicks off at 8 PM U.K. time. What would you think of a potential swoop for Macleod?