Aston Villa appear to be edging closer to signing goal-scoring midfielder, Henri Lansbury, after an interview with Nottingham forest manager Philippe Montanier revealed how things were moving along with the potential transfer.
Lansbury has scored 6 goals this season, and is attracting interest from several championship and premier league clubs. Derby have seen a £2.5 million bid rejected earlier in the week, whilst Watford are also rumoured to be interested in purchasing the in-form captain.
Since his move from Arsenal in 2012, he has been a key man for Nottingham Forest, scoring 32 goals in over 150 appearances. Recently revived Aston Villa are the more attractive club, however, due to the new owner Dr. Tony Xia’s overwhelming ambition, and the club looking to be in the playoffs under Steve Bruce come the end of the season.
Both Westwood and Gardner have been inconsistent this season, producing only one goal and no assists between them. It is undeniable that Steve Bruce is in desperate need of more quality in the centre of the park if he is to guide Villa into the top six by the end of the season. Steve Bruce has publicly voiced his desire for players who are ready for a physical battle, and Henri Lansbury fits the bill perfectly. With his aggressive defending and goal scoring ability, he leaves little to be desired, and can only strengthen Aston Villa.
The 26 year old was subject to a £3 million bid on Tuesday from Aston Villa, yet there has still not been a reply due to the takeover situation causing internal complications for the reds.
In the pre-Wigan press conference today, Montanier said: “It is a possibility he (Henri Lansbury) will leave. It is less likely he will stay. We received an offer for Lansbury and we will see.” Montanier also confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder will not be in the match squad for the FA cup fixture against Wigan on Saturday as his ‘head is not right to play’.
It is rare for managers to speak openly about transfers, so these promising words will leave Aston Villa supporters confident that Bruce will be able to drag the deal over the line. However, it is rumoured, via Alan Nixon, that Lansbury cannot be sold or sign a new deal due to Nottingham forest being on the verge of a takeover.
