According to Daily Star, Aston Villa are vying for the services of Gary Cahill despite completing the signing of Tyrone Mings this week. Cahill left Chelsea this summer after seeing out his contract at Stamford Bridge and is available for free. However, the Villans could face stiff competition from Leeds United, although their Premier League status could give them the advantage in the pursuit of the English international.
Gary Cahill is one of the most experienced English defenders
Cahill began his career at Aston Villa when he was given a professional contract way back in 2004. However, he was immediately loaned out to Burnley, where he made 27 appearances in the Championship in the corresponding campaign.
Cahill made his Premier League breakthrough during the 2005/06 season with Aston Villa, making 20 league appearances. But, that was before he left Villa Park in 2008 in favour of a move to Bolton Wanderers. He gradually became a vital part of the Bolton backline and ended up featuring in 147 competitive matches for the Trotters before joining Chelsea in 2012.
The 33-year-old went on to make 290 appearances in all competitions during his seven-year spell at Stamford Bridge. And overall, Cahill featured in a whopping 349 Premier League matches – making him one of the most experienced English defenders of his time.
Where does Cahill fit in at Aston Villa?
Aston Villa have successfully brought back one of last season’s star performers in Mings this summer in a €22.3 million move from Bournemouth. The youngster is expected to partner James Chester at the heart of the Villa backline next season.
But, none of these two defenders have any significant experience of playing in the Premier League, with Chester, despite his age, making only 60 top-flight appearances while Mings’ tally stands at a paltry 17 matches. And that’s where Cahill could come into the fray.
The England international will offer the much-needed experience that could be extremely crucial in Aston Villa’s bid to retain their top-flight status next season. He is also a dogged no-nonsense defender, which should tune in well with Dean Smith, who is expected to employ a deep defensive line.
Hence, the Villans should definitely double their efforts in the pursuit of this experienced defender, who will be eager to return to Villa Park this summer.
