Aston Villa: Dan Bardell shares what he’s been told about exit-linked Tim Iroegbunam

Wed 10 January 2024 20:10, UK

We’re delighted to welcome Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell as our exclusive Aston Villa columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the club…

Dan Bardell has been told that Aston Villa plan to keep hold of Tim Iroegbunam for the rest of the season despite the exit rumours surrounding him.

The Daily Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop tweeted on 22 December that Villa are open to a permanent exit for the England U-20 international in the January transfer window.

He added that the 20-year-old midfielder is wanted by Queens Park Rangers after he spent last season out on loan with the Championship club.

QPR looking to bolster their midfield and have Aston Villa’s Tim Iroegbunam on their list. Villa are open to a permanent rather than a loan move at this stage for Iroegbunam, who spent last season at Loftus Road. #QPR #AVFC
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) December 22, 2023

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But Bardell has heard differently and revealed that he was “quite surprised” that Unai Emery decided not to play Iroegbunam in the 1-0 FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday (6 January).

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “I was told on Monday that Villa plan to keep him for the season. He’s been on the bench a fair few times in recent months.

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“I was actually quite surprised he didn’t start in the Middlesbrough game because he’s got a lot of Championship experience from his QPR loan last season.

“That just felt like a game to give him a bit of a chance and see what he’s about, see if he can handle it because this is a player who was part of the England U-19s team that won a big international tournament.

“There’s a good player there. I know a few QPR people and they loved him when he was there and think he’s a really talented player.

“I don’t think Villa will sell him, but maybe he could go out on loan if they were to sign someone. But the word on the street is that he’ll be sticking around.

“I just would’ve liked to have seen him get some minutes against Boro because, if you’re not getting minutes in the FA Cup third round, it feels very unlikely that he’ll be thrown in for a league game.”

In other Aston Villa news, a broadcaster wants Emery to sign up the friend of a Villa star for £10.7million this month.