Aaron has chance to stake claim
THE first 12 months didn’t quite go to plan but Aaron Tshibola isn’t finished yet. Far from it, in fact.
The 22-year-old will report for pre-season training with Aston Villa in two weeks’ time unless a surprise move away is sourced.
At this stage, that’s unlikely. There is interest in Tshibola but no formal offer has been received.
So it seems, whether Steve Bruce fancies him or not, that Tshibola will have the opportunity at least to remind the manager what he’s made of.
The midfielder has been working hard on his fitness since the start of the month and will return to Bodymoor Heath in good shape. But has he still got a Villa future? That’s a question Bruce needs to answer.
It looked bleak for the former Reading man when he was shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest last season and only made four appearances during his four-month stay.
But there is always the chance he could come back and impress.
However, if Mile Jedinak plays anywhere near the level he performed at last term, Tshibola will struggle to get past him.
And if Villa eventually strike a deal to land Glenn Whelan from Stoke, his chances will be further hindered. On top of that, there’s Henri Lansbury, Gary Gardner and the returning Jordan Lyden.
A return to Forest is unlikely but other Championship clubs have been linked.
There was interest from Rangers earlier this year and a whole host of options on the continent, including clubs in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.
Whether a loan or permanent move would best suit him, if he did leave in the window, would be largely dependent on Villa’s stance.
Tshibola has three years left on his contract and Villa would look to recoup as much of the £5 million they paid out as possible.