Alan Hutton: Ross Barkley unlikely to get game time at Aston Villa
We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland defender Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Aston Villa.
Alan Hutton does not see Ross Barkley leaving Chelsea to join Aston Villa this summer despite all the transfer links.
He believes that the English attacking midfielder is looking for regular game time and that may not be available at Villa Park.
Barkley has spent a season out on loan at the club, but injuries took away from what was a promising start to his relatively short Villa career.
The Mirror reported that Chelsea are looking to get rid of him this summer and have offered him to Villa as well as Everton.
Discussing the possible destinations, Hutton exclusively told Villa News, “Obviously, he’s got the links with Everton.
“That’s his [former] club and it might be something he fancies under Frank Lampard.
“He started off well when he came on loan but dropped off after injury.
“I’m not sure he comes to Villa and plays week in and week out because that’s something he’s searching for.
“It may be possible at Everton. They need players, especially after what happened last season.”
Aston Villa signed Boubacar Kamara in the summer and also permanently brought in Philippe Coutinho.
There already was competition for places in Steven Gerrard’s side and Barkley may have to settle for being a bench player at the club.
In other Aston Villa news, manager Steven Gerrard is very keen to bring Liverpool defender Joe Gomez to the club.