Emile Heskey to Villa in January?

By: Chris | December 3rd, 2008

As the Manchester City nonsense continues with links to Kaka and Lionel Messi, Aston Villa’s January transfer ambitions appear somewhat more humble – particularly when it comes to competition for Big John Carew.

Sure, we’ve seen a few big names bandied about since the transfer window closed at the end of August. Roque Santa Cruz has been consistently linked with a Villa move which has always looked unlikely, and even Little Michael Owen, Newcastle United’s crap-yet-prolific former superstar striker, has been strongly mentioned alongside the club’s name.

By far the most likely forward signing, though, is Emile Heskey, Wigan Athletic’s resurgent England striker.

Setting aside all the rubbish about Martin O’Neill being given a specific sum of money in January (we all know Randy Lerner asks O’Neill to identify his players and then talk money – giving him his full support so far, it must be said), we have to be realistic.

It seems Aston Villa made some kind of approach for Heskey in August but did not push their luck when Wigan boss Steve Bruce made it clear he wouldn’t have time to replace him. Liverpool’s Fat Spanish Waiter could do with acting with half the class of O’Neill.

But Heskey’s contract at the JJB expires in June, and Dave Whelan, Wigan’s chairman, is prepared to let him go in order to make sure the club gets compensation for his leaving. This is because Heskey refuses to sign a new contract (allegedly in an attempt to be honest).

With Heskey’s form being largely responsible for the explosive early-season strike rate of partner Amr Zaki, the big man’s stock has risen hugely this term. Villa are just one of a few interested teams, but I think we’re in a strong position. He knows we wanted him before his England recall, and he’s worked well with O’Neill before. They’ll both count for something.

Has the potential to be a controversial signing though, doesn’t it?

The case for…

So why should we even be considering signing Emile Heskey in January?

We’d get him at bargain price. Taking into account his age and contract expiry date (sorry, I came over all Football Manager there), £5m sounds about right
His confidence is sky-high. Superb performances with England and alongside Amr Zaki have restored his reputation to levels last seen when partnering Owen at Liverpool
With John Carew missing large chunks of season through injury, Heskey would not only be a viable alternative but direct competition for the Norwegian. Whichever one is playing would have to be playing well
He’s the perfect foil for deadly finishers – creating space, holding the ball up and creating chances. Owen, Zaki…Gabby Agbonlahor?
He made his name on the back of one Martin O’Neill at Leicester City. Remember how good he was back then?

The case against…

And why not?

These days, Emile Heskey is probably nowhere near a ‘top 4′ striker
He doesn’t score enough goals. Carew is the better player, so maybe we should go for a goalscoring number 9 to replace Marlon Harewood, giving us another option up top
Plenty of idiots will never forgive him for playing for Small Heath
There’s a decent chance he’s desperate to return to Liverpool
When Carew doesn’t play, we tend to play tidier football. If Heskey were to step in, the hoofball could return

So, Villa fans, what do you think? Do you want us to sign Emile Heskey, or would it make you question our top 4 ambitions?