Bye bye Whelan? 3 ideal long-term replacements Aston Villa can consider including Newcastle star

Three Glenn Whelan replacements Aston Villa must consider in January

Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan is in the final year of his contract and he’s done very little this season to get a contract extension.

Glenn Whelan has been on the books of the Villans since the summer of 2017 when he joined from Stoke City on a transfer fee worth £2m.

But the Republic of Ireland international will turn 35 in the New Year and has entered the twilight of his career. The midfielder is hardly the first name on new manager Dean Smith’s team-sheet at Aston Villa. He has managed just seven appearances in the Championship this term as summer signing John McGinn has nailed down a regular spot in the team.

With Glenn Whelan clearly past his prime and out of contract at the end of the season, Dean Smith needs to plan for the future. That being said, here are three replacements Aston Villa must consider in January.

Glen Kamara (Dundee)

As per the Daily Mail, Dundee are planning to sell midfielder Glen Kamara in January. The 23-year-old has impressed since joining Dundee from Arsenal last year. He has nailed down a regular place in the team with a series of impressive performances in the Scottish Premiership this season.

The Finnish midfielder is in the final year of his contract and can discuss a pre-contract with foreign clubs, including those in England, from January.

Aston Villa must try to sign Kamara in January. Kamara is a defensive midfielder by trade and excels in intercepting the play with strong tackles and challenges. He is young, dynamic, strong and would add a lot of energy to Villa’s midfield.

Ozan Tufan (Fenerbahce)

Turkish star Ozan Tufan moved to Fenerbahce from Bursaspor back in 2015 and has been a regular at the club. But he has fallen out of favour this season due to the arrival of new recruits.

The 23-year-old Turkey international is a holding midfielder but his versatility allows him to play in a number of roles – the midfield, right-back and right wing. Tufan is blessed with great technical ability and the penchant to score and create goals in plenty.

All in all, he could prove to be an excellent addition for Aston Villa and a top long-term replacement for the ageing Glenn Whelan.

Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United)

Isaac Hayden put in a transfer request in the summer, citing personal reasons. But Newcastle didn’t allow him to leave and while he has stayed, the 23-year-old has not done a great deal this season, playing just three times in the league so far.

Clearly, Hayden needs a fresh start away from Newcastle to revive his career. Aston Villa must hand the midfielder an opportunity to get his back career on track.

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Hayden will bring considerable depth and strength to the squad and the Villans will get a talented player to replace Glenn Whelan.