With Ron Vlaar close to officially finalising his move to Aston Villa from Feyenoord, it could be all change at the back. According to reports in the Metro, James Collins is close to returning to his old stomping ground as West Ham step up their efforts to strengthen their team ahead of the coming season.
Collins has been something of a divisive figure amongst fans with many suggesting his partnership with Richard Dunne being a significant reason for Villa’s concession of goals. Dunne, a player who has already sought the opinion of manager Paul Lambert on whether he should retire from his international career with the Republic of Ireland, may therefore be lining up with a Dutch partner come next month rather than his familiar Welsh partner.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in terms of Dunne staying at the club. With Lambert’s efforts to transform the Villa squad an ongoing project, as well as Ciaran Clark putting forward a strong case for starting matches come the start of the season, the back four could be totally transformed.
Add into this the fact that Ipswich left back Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a move to the club, as well as the signing of Sheffield United right back Matthew Lowton, and Villa could be lining up with a very different defence to that of the past two season.
For many fans, such a change would be a welcome one as all four players in the back four of last season were criticised by fans, with Scottish international Alan Hutton receiving much of the ire directed towards the defensive line.
So if Collins is to move on, and his place is to be taken by (potential) new signing Vlaar, what are your thoughts on the matter? Do Villa need to invest further in the defence if the Vlaar and Collins deals are completed? Or are Villa ready for the next season in defensive terms?
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