Remi Garde has taken the rather outlandish step of actively publicising his interest in a transfer target, indicating that he will be looking to bring left-back Ashley Cole to Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
Currently playing his trade in Serie A for AS Roma, Cole has become something of a peripheral figure in recent months having fallen out of favour with the management and hasn't played since March.
Garde could plump for experienced player
Having made over 100 appearance for England aswell as winning both the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League during his time at Arsenal and Chelsea, it's believed that Cole's experience would be invaluable to a Villa side battling relegation. They've only accumulated six points from 15 games, so they need all the help they could get, and it's help that Cole could bring.
Speaking about the potential for a transfer, Garde said that "every good player is interesting" and that "Ashley is a good player". Adding that he will "speak soon" with those above him regarding a possible move, the Frenchman followed up by stating "We are going to try and improve the team in the transfer window, and that's all I'm going to say today", a comment which didn't really stand true given his previous quotes.
Interest comes as a result of Amavi injury
It's not yet known whether or not Cole would potentially be purchased on a permanent basis, or on a loan deal until the end of the season, with his high wages the most likely barrier to a move.
The loan move makes perfect sense given that Villa's first choice left-back, Jordan Amavi, is out for the rest of the season having ruptured his knee ligaments on international duty last month. Kieran Richardson has failed to step in to a high enough standard, leaving Garde forced to look for other options, with one of those being playing Leandro Bacuna at left-back, which he did against Southampton last week.
If Cole isn't the man for Garde, he could look to recall some of his current left-back's that are out on loan, in a bid to solidify the defence. Aly Cissokho is away at Porto, whilst Joe Bennett is at Bournemouth, but it's believed that Cole remains the priority.