As we look ahead towards the end of the season, the relegation scenario starts to become slightly more clear after every week. Inevitably, when teams drop from the Premier League, they are forced to sell off players since the TV money drops substantially. This will be the first article in a series about what players we would like to see brought into Villa in the summer from these (potentially) relegated sides.
I will also be rating the likelihood on a scale of 1-10, with 10 meaning that Lambert Should be interested, not that he necessarily Is interested
Fulham: Fulham are all but certain to go down this season, sitting on 24 points from 32 matches. Also, they travel to Villa Park this weekend. Fulham are an aging club that at first glance don't seem to have a ton of players that would be realistic as transfer targets for Aston Villa. Not many of their players fit the "Lambert Mold" of young and hungry, but there are a few who may be decent transfer targets. Also, Darren Bent will be returning from his loan, but I don't expect him to play for Villa ever again. Unfortunately Lewis Holtby is only in on loan from Tottenham, because he is a good player and would fill the need at CAM.
Alexander Kačaniklić: At 22 years old, the Swedish left sided midfielder may be an option. Valued at £2.9 million, he has appeared in 21 games for Fulham this year, scoring once and assisting two goals. However he is under contract until 2016, and although I was unable to find his wages, I would estimate it to be at about £1.5 million a year, or £30,000 per week.
Likelihood Rating: 3/10. With Tonev still being given chances, I don't really expect Lambert to be looking at bringing in another left sided midfielder, especially one who needs to develop. Looking to the youth setup is a better idea.
Konstantinos Mitroglou: Purchased from Olympiakos in January, Mitroglou has only made two Premier League appearances so far. At 26 years old, he may be an option for Lambert if Benteke is sold. Valued at around £10m, he may be a bit too expensive. His wage is a reported £41,400 per week and for a striker who has scored goals in the Champions League that is not a ridiculous amount.
Likelihood Rating: 5/10. With Andreas Weimann and Gabby Agbonlahor not likely to move, even if Benteke leaves we may see one of them fill the void at striker. The youth setup again may prove a better option, with players such as Callum Robinson possibly able to step into the first team, and for a much cheaper price.
Pajtim Kasami: The 22 year old Swiss attacking midfielder may be the best option that Fulham have to offer. Only under contract until June 2015, he may be looking for a move away from the club should they be relegated. He has 26 league appearances this year and has found the back of the net three times. Valued at £2.9 million it seems to be a reasonable price. However, he is reportedly earning £38,000 a week, which would make him one of the top earners at Villa under the new wage cap set by the board.
Likelihood Rating: 6/10. If Kasami were to be brought in, he would have to take a lower salary. That being said, he may come cheaply due to his contract expiring soon and Fulham needing to get people off the books.
As always, comment on who you'd like to see brought in and why.
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