AEK Athens manager Gus Poyet is eyeing a January move for Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, according to Greek media
Agbonlahor, 29, has netted 84 times in 363 total appearances for Villa since earning his fist-team debut in 2006 but his production in front of goal has been on a steep decline over recent seasons.
The long-serving forward has failed to score since bagging a brace in a 4-0 win at Sunderland last March, and after seeing a reoccurring calf problem disrupt his start to this season, he has now fallen out of favour with new boss Remi Garde.
As well as being restricted to a one-minute substitute appearance in Garde's first nine games in charge, the former England international has not even made the bench over the past five matches and his manager admitted to a “disagreement” between the pair last month.
"For Gabby and for the rest of the team, you know when you change manager, when you change the way of working, when things change maybe suddenly, you don't feel comfortable,” Garde told the likes of Sky Sports.
"I feel the choice is there for the moment, but when a player is not selected in the team, like Gabby is for the last time, obviously it creates a little bit of disagreement.
"But disagreements in life or mistakes in life are not definite. Sometimes with disagreements or mistakes you learn and then you say okay, have a discussion and then a new start."
Garde is now looking to strengthen his struggling side in the current transfer window in order to boost their slim survival hopes and some of the fringe members of the squad, including Agbonlahor, are expected to be moved on.
The academy product, whose current contract expires in 2018, has already been linked with Emirati clubs Al Ahli and Al Wasl [h/t The Sun], while Midlands neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to be interested in his signature [h/tThe Express and Star].
However, greek media have since suggested that a move to AEK could be on the cards instead, with former Sunderland boss Poyet said to be ready to offer the pacey front man a chance to revive his career with the Greek champions.
The Uruguayan, who took charge of the club in October, is also reportedly keen on a deal for fellow Villa misfit Charles N’Zogbia, although the Mirror have claimed that he has his sights set on a switch to MLS.
The 29-year-old playmaker’s contract expires in the summer and he could be released early after falling foul of Garde for a perceived lack of commitment.
0 comments:
Post a Comment