According to reports in The Star and Express and Star, Aston Villa are said to eyeing Barnsley captain Marc Roberts.
Despite the fact that he will have to sell before he can buy as the Football League clamp down on Financial Fair Play regulations, Villa boss Steve Bruce is already identifying potential transfer targets as he looks to improve on the disappointing 13th-placed finish the club secured in their first season in the Championship.
One player that is said to have caught Bruce’s eye is Tykes centre-back Roberts, who helped his team record their very own mid-table finish – just one place below Villa – in England’s second tier for 2016/17.
However, if the Midlands outfit are looking to win automatic promotion back to the Premier League for 2018/19, then some people may feel the addition of the 26-year-old wouldn’t be a good one.
Here are three reasons Villa should steer clear of signing Roberts…
He isn’t an improvement on what they have
With a first choice partnership of James Chester and Nathan Baker and with Tommy Elphick and Mile Jedinak able to cover if needed, Villa really only need to bring in a new centre-back this summer – if one of those players leaves or if the addition is an improvement on what they already have.
Having only made his Football League debut less than two years ago and with just a year’s worth of experience in the Championship, it’s hard to argue that Roberts meets either of those two criteria.
They must sign Premier League ready players
With automatic promotion undoubtedly the aim next season, Steve Bruce has to sign players that will be ready for the Premier League in 12 months’ time.
Despite impressing at the back for Barnsley in the Championship this season, the 26-year-old has spent the majority of his career in Non-League football and it would be difficult to be confident that he can make the step up to the top flight with ease if Villa did indeed return there.
Potential Price tag
With an already reduced transfer budget this summer Steve Bruce has to be selective and certain he is getting value for money when it comes to purchasing new players, and it would be a huge risk to spend a decent sum on Roberts in those circumstances.
After just one season in the Championship it is hard to argue that the Barnsley skipper is worth a notable investment. Bruce would be better off looking elsewhere if he wants to strengthen his squad.
Do you agree, Villa fans? Let us know below.
