Martin O’Neill considering move for Villa star
In what will be the manager’s first purchase as Sunderland manager, Martin O’Neill is preparing a bid to bring his former charge, Marc Albrighton, to the Stadium of Light.
The 22 year-old played under O’Neill during the Northern Irishman’s five year tenure at the helm of the Birmingham outfit.
O’Neill oversaw Albrighton’s development from the Villa youth academy and handed the starlet his first start as a Villan.
The youngster quickly gained praise for his creative performances operating from the left flank and became an England Under-21 international in 2010.
However, some have suggested that the management eras of Gerard Houllier and Alex McLeish haven’t been as comfortable for a contingent of the Villa playing staff as it was under O’Neill.
The Black Cats boss has also been linked with Richard Dunne and James Collins, both of whom he brought to Villa Park.
That being said, Albrighton is apparently seen as a more immediate necessity despite the revival in form of a number of Sunderland players.
Jack Colback, David Vaughan and most notably James McClean have all shone significantly brighter under O’Neill but the manager is apparently looking to add another touch of youthful class in his march for a European qualifying spot.
Albrighton is one player being tipped for a future in the England setup, and could be open to a move North-East to link back up with his former mentor.
Ellis Short has shown commitment to Sunderland in the past, committing big funds in previous transfer windows and could be prepared to stump up the £8.5m necessary to bring Marc Albrighton to the Stadium of Light.
