Villa Park have new deals to in-form pair.
Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has offered new deals to two promising young stars – Ashley Westwood and Ciaran Clark. It is reported that the deals may not be signed until next week, but The Telegraph claim they are agreed.
After securing Premier League survival, Lambert was to revamp his side in order to fight for a top 10 finish next campaign. Belgian star Christian Benteke handing in a transfer request did rain on their parade, but the Villa boss still has clear intentions of building for next year – with, or without, Benteke.
The first step taken by Lambert was to get his spending done early by signing five new players [Aleksandar Tonez, Jores Okore, Leandro Bacuna, Nicklas Helenius and Antonio Luna] whilst getting rid of fringe players (such as Eric Lichaj who joined Championship side Nottingham Forrest on a free).
Now, new contracts appear to be on the agenda. Ashley Westwood made 31 appearances for Villa last season, and his boss is a huge admirer of Ashley’s ability.
But Westwood and Clark are not the only ones, Wiemann, Baker and Guzan have already been tied down to near deals. Ashley and Ciaran’s are just slightly delayed due to transfer sagas (such as Bent and Benteke).
Newcastle are now poised to make their £5million move for England international Darren Bent, whilst Tottenham are desperately trying to find the £25million funds to buy Christian Benteke.
If both players leave, Villa boss, Lambert, will be left wit £30million to spend on a pair of new strikers, or other new squad additions.