Davis told he can quit Villa
Steven Davis has been told he can leave Villa. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international was the club's golden boy the season before last when he was voted Player of the Year in his first full campaign. Steven Davis has been told he can leave Villa. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international was the club's golden boy the season before last when he was voted Player of the Year in his first full campaign. Davis, who has two years left on his contract, would cost around £5m.News of Davis' availability will shock Villa fans who took the flame-haired midfielder to their hearts during the 2005-06 season following a series of bustling displays. But he struggled to repeat his sparkling form last season when he was often forced to play in a wide position following the arrival of £8m Stiliyan Petrov. Davis, who was watched regularly by Manchester United during his first full season, is sure to attract plenty of Premiership suitors. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Davis, who has two years left on his contract, would cost around £5m.News of Davis' availability will shock Villa fans who took the flame-haired midfielder to their hearts during the 2005-06 season following a series of bustling displays.
But he struggled to repeat his sparkling form last season when he was often forced to play in a wide position following the arrival of £8m Stiliyan Petrov.
Davis, who was watched regularly by Manchester United during his first full season, is sure to attract plenty of Premiership suitors.
Fulham, where his coach until recently at international level, Lawrie Sanchez is now boss, are bound to be interested.
But they may well face competition from several other clubs for his signature.
Davis has amassed 102 appearances for Villa since making his debut as a substitute against Norwich in September 2004.
But with Petrov preferred in central midfield under boss Martin O'Neill and another midfield signing expected, sources close to Davis claim the player has been told he can leave if he can get first team football elsewhere. Fellow Academy graduate Liam Ridgewell also faces an uncertain future.
Birmingham wanted to take the 22-year-old defender on loan during the January transfer window with a view to a permanent move and are reported to be interested again.
Ridgewell wouldn't rule out a move across the Second City to St Andew's. Sunderland are also said to be keen on the England under-21international.