Tim Sherwood admits he will try and keep Tom Cleverley at Aston Villa on a permanent basis due to the player impressing whilst on loan.
The England international midfielder, who has 13 caps for his country, has spent the campaign at the Midlands giants, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United under Louis van Gaal. He has gone on to make 26 Premier League starts for his temporary club, and has been an ever-present in their run to next month’s FA Cup final with Arsenal.
It has been widely reported that Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who took Cleverley on loan during his time in charge of Wigan Athletic, will move for the player in the summer when his contract at Old Trafford expires. However, Sherwood has also revealed that he sees the 25-year-old as part of his future plans at Villa, and expects his club to try and wrap up a permanent transfer.
“I’ve been pleased with Tom,” said Sherwood. “I really like him and like what he adds to the side. He adds a lot of energy, gets back round goalside, links the ball very well. He is one of the names I put on the team-sheet straight away. We’re certainly interested in talking to Tom, when the time is right. I think there is a good chance we will try and do a deal if it’s right for both parties.”
Another player who could join Villa on a permanent basis at the end of the season is Scott Sinclair. The forward failed to make an impact at Manchester City following his move from Swansea City in 2012, but has scored three goals in 10 outings for the Midlands side. And if the chance presents itself, the 26-year-old would like to move to the FA Cup finalists on a long-term basis.
“I feel at home at Villa, it’s a great club,” said the former Chelsea and Wigan youngster. “I’m sure at the end of the season we can sit down and I can sign. I think when you are playing every week you go into a place where you get more confident and that’s what Fabian Delph has done. He’s stayed here, signed a new contract and this is his home. Every week he is improving.”
If they stay at Aston Villa, how important can Tom Cleverley and Scott Sinclair be to Tim Sherwood’s long-term plans for the Midlands giants?
