Bolton leading race for Villa’s Knight

Villa defender Zat Knight could be offloaded to Bolton by the end of the week – but only if the club bring in reinforcements first.

Wolves and Birmingham were both interested in the Villa defender, but the Trotters – managed by former Baggies boss Gary Megson – are at the front of the queue and are eager to swiftly tie up a deal.

But the Express & Star understands £2.5million-rated Knight will only be allowed to leave Villa Park once Martin O’Neill allays the fans’ worries by delving into the transfer market for the first time this summer.

Villa are under pressure to strengthen after losing Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen and, with Knight set to go, two new centre-backs are expected to arrive to compete with Curtis Davies and Carlos Cuellar.

Portsmouth’s Sylvain Distin, West Ham’s Matthew Upson and Sebastien Bassong of Newcastle are all in the frame.

O’Neill is also still intent on bringing in Leeds prodigy Fabian Delph, despite one bid having already been rebuffed by United boss and former Villa defender Simon Grayson.

Moves for Middlesbrough pair Stewart Downing and Tuncay remain possibilities, but Tottenham striker Darren Bent is further down the list of targets.

Any funds raised from the sale of Knight, who cost Villa £3.5m from Fulham two years ago, would be added to O’Neill’s transfer war chest.

Ironically, Knight was purchased as a replacement for Gary Cahill after O’Neill sold him to Bolton, but he could now find himself partnering the ex-Villa academy product at the Reebok Stadium.

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This article was posted on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 11:05 am.
View more articles about: birmingham, carlos cuellar, fulham, gareth barry, gary megson, martin laursen, middlesbrough, newcastle, portsmouth, reebok stadium, striker, tottenham, trotters, villa, west ham, wolves.

1
Wolve in Rugeley

July 14, 2009 at 1:47 pm

I hope Bolton get him as we don’t want that clown in our defense.

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2
JT

July 14, 2009 at 2:47 pm

Wolve in Rugeley

Ever thought of going on countdown?

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3
hem

July 14, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Come on Mon sign somebody please.
Last year you blamed us loosing out on 5th to a small squad..so do something about it then, and while your at it any chance you can reassure some of the Villa fans that JC and Ash are staying?

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