Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Aston Villa dismiss rumours Nathan Delfouneso will join Sunderland
Wednesday 14th December 2011, 11:00AM GMT.
Aston Villa today dismissed speculation that Nathan Delfouneso will join Sunderland in the transfer window.
Delfouneso has been linked with a £3million move to the Stadium of Light where he would be reunited with former Villa boss Martin O’Neill, who gave him his debut for the claret and blues in August 2008.
Despite being named regularly on the substitutes’ bench, the 20-year-old forward has played just five minutes in the Premier League this season.
But Villa assistant boss Peter Grant insisted that no-one has contacted them with a view to signing Delfouneso.
He said: “No, we have not and we’re not looking for enquiries in any shape or form. We’re very thin on the ground with the squad as it is.
“We’re not in the position to do so at this moment in time. Look at the weekend, we were really down to the bare bones.
“We’re looking now to just maintain the squad and it’s up to lads like Nathan to make sure they’re part of the squad and the team.
“Nathan picked up a couple of injuries and found himself out of the 18. Then all of a sudden he’s back in.”
With Gabby Agbonlahor set to miss Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool through suspension, Delfouneso has the chance to force his way into the thinking of the management during training this week.
Grant said: “It can be a great opportunity for them when somebody like Gabby misses out. Sometimes a suspension is something that kicks off somebody else’s season.
“Nathan’s got the talent, we know he’s got goals in him but, like all young boys, the consistency level has got to be there all the time.
“He’s getting to that stage of his career now that that’s the next thing that’s got to kick into his game. He’s certainly got the raw talent.
“He probably should be more hungry to score goals and show a little bit more devilment around the box.
“We’re always saying to him ‘listen you’re playing against Premier League centre-backs here.’
“We see you turning them inside out at times and then we see you making life easy for them the next day.”
Sponsored Links
UK Sport
Latest Blog — Microsoft Comes to the University of Wolverhampton
Last week Microsoft visited the University of Wolverhampton to give students the chance to develop their own phone apps that could be published on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Technology blog
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
expressandstar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
