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Aston Villa's move for Manchester City's Scott Sinclair may have hit a stumbling block in the form of a 'rather high' 2.5 million pound transfer value for the winger. The Telegraph has today reported that City's valuation might be too much for Paul Lambert's transfer budget.
Villa fans may have had fears about the budget for this transfer window and this new report may increase those worries, 2.5 million for a Premier League player is pennies by modern standards and the caution to make a move over that fee is certainly worrying. Another problem could be Sinclair's wages, which would add up to 2.5 million a year or thereabouts.
The other reason why Villa's budget may be so shockingly low, is likely because they could be planning a move for Tom Cleverley. The midfielder hasn't performed to his potential at Villa Park, but would add the depth that Lambert needs.
The caution from Villa's side leaves an opening for either Crystal Palace or Inter Milan to swoop in and complete a deal for Sinclair.