Trouble is brewing at Aston Villa, and it would seem that Stephen Warnock is at the middle of the storm. The left-back has apparently broken off all talks with manager Gerard Houllier as relations between the two have reached an all time low. As a result, expect a number of Premiership ‘sharks’ to start circling the Aston Villa lifeboat.
Warnock’s relationship with Houllier has apparently collapsed altogether, and the manager has declared that Villa will listen to offers for the 29 year old. Warnock believes that he’s been frozen out of the Villa first team, and so far this season has only made 19 starts. The dispute between the defender and his manager was revealed today by the Daily Mail, and it looks set to mark the end of Warnock’s career with the Villains.
The vultures have already started circling for the ex-England international, with Blackburn and Liverpool as the first two Premier League clubs to be linked with a move for the full back. Warnock played at both clubs, starting his career with Liverpool before spells at Bradford and Coventry saw him move to Blackburn Rovers in 2006. During the last transfer window, Goal.com reported that Blackburn were planning a £2 million offer for Warnock, but clearly the deal fell through.
As for Liverpool, they would welcome an experienced left-back but would they be willing to pay £2 million for a player they chose to release not 5 years ago. So far the only other club to express any interest is Stoke, who are planning to beat Blackburn and Liverpool to Warnock’s signature by offering £4 million.
It’s clear that Warnock will not be at Villa Park next season, and it also looks likely that he’ll be joined by several other key figures from the Midlands based club. I’ve no idea where he’ll end up, but as a Newcastle fan, I wouldn’t see the harm if Alan Pardew decided to throw his hat into the ring. Depending on what happens with Enrique, Pardew might have to!
The storm clouds are gathering at Villa.
Follow Peter Turner on Twitter @petermagpie
