Aston Villa are, according to reports, closing on a £2.5million swoop for Scott Sinclair as Paul Lambert looks to add more quality to his squad.
Sinclair was once regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the country, having began his career at Bristol Rovers before being plucked by Chelsea in 2004. Although he was contracted to the Premier League giants for six years, he only made 13 appearances in all competitions, and had loan spells at Plymouth Argyle, Queens Park Rangers, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic.
The 25-year-old eventually left Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis in the summer of 2010, when Swansea City paid an initial £500,000 for his signature. This proved to be a shrewd signing by the Welsh club, as he scored a hat-trick in the playoff final against Reading which fired the Swans to the Premier League, returning them to the top division for the first time since 1983.
He continued his fine form in the top-flight, playing every one of their 38 league matches and scoring eight goals. As preparations for the 2012-13 campaign began it was no secret that Sinclair was in the final year of his contract at the Liberty Stadium, and although he began the season at the club – scoring in their opening match – he joined Manchester City in August 2012.
Many pundits felt this a strange move as he was far from assured his place amongst the abundance of stars on show at the Etihad Stadium, and so it has been the case. Sinclair played just 11 times for the Manchester club in his debut season, and spent last term on loan at West Bromwich Albion, who declined the opportunity to sign the forward on a permanent basis.
Back in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad for the current season, Sinclair has once more played a peripheral role for the reigning champions. He has so far made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League – equating to 13 minutes – and he also came off the bench in the FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal in August and for the League Cup third round win against Sheffield Wednesday.
Pellegrini is prepared to let Sinclair leave during the January transfer window, and according to Goal.com, the former England Under-21 international could be given the chance to reignite his career at Villa. It is claimed that the Midlands club are willing to pay £2.5million for his signature which, at such a price, could well be worth a gamble by under-pressure manager Lambert.
At £2.5million, surely Sinclair is worth a punt for Villa? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
