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Reports out of Spain are suggesting that Aston Villa are interested in Valencia midfielder Carles Gil. Reports have been popping up in numerous places, and they apparently stem from rumours on Spanish radio and tabloids. But David Cartlidge, who writes on La Liga for numerous websites, seems to be buying into the rumours. In a conversation on twitter with Sam Tighe (who sent this our way) Cartlidge implied that Villa may be working very hard to get the midfielder:
@stighefootball Because by all means, it seems you’re very interested in Carles Gil from Valencia. And I mean VERY.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) January 8, 2015
I asked Cartlidge where he was hearing the info from, and he had this to say:
@7500toHolte It’s from the outlet and reporter closest to Valencia. Also, speaking to someone I know there, it was verified.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) January 8, 2015
Now, the question for us becomes: if this is even happening (and even if people reporting it are well-intentioned, I'm still fairly dubious), would GIl be someone we'd want to see at Aston Villa?
Well, in seventy-five career matches he has six goals and ten assists, most of those coming while on loan at Elche. There he helped the club earn promotion from to the top tier of Spanish football for the first time in 25 years. In eight La Liga matches at Valencia, he's bagged one goal and one assist. He's 22 years old, and has gotten plenty of attention as a strong prospect, having been named to the Spanish U21 team. He was also rumoured to be connected to a £6 million move to Everton at one point.
It's hard to say for certain if this would be a great move for Aston Villa, but it's not hard to like the ambition it shows. Gil is a young, well-regarded attacking midfielder. Precisely the type of player many fans want to see brought in, and the type of player who could help ease the blow if Fabian Delph were to leave.
What do you think? Do you want Villa chasing continental youth? Let us know in the comments!