Manchester United Striker To Villa?

Several reports this weekend are linking Martin O’Neill with a move for Alan Smith of Manchester United.

The link to Smudger Smith seems to be one that just won’t go away. Having suffered a badly broken leg and a dislocated ankle in a tackle with Liverpool’s John Arne Riise, an injury described by Sir Alex Ferguson as ‘one of the worst I’ve seen’ in the 2005/6 season, Smith has failed to win back his place in the Man Utd team and although he has said he wants to stay and fight for his place – and I’m sure I’ve read comments from Sir Alex Ferguson that the former Leeds striker still has a place at Manure – the player is now far lower in the pecking order that he might need a move to resurrect his career.

Reports have linked Aston Villa to Smith since the arrival of Martin O’Neill, both on a permanent deal with around £5million mentioned and on loan until the end of the season.

Name: Alan Smith
DOB: 28/10/1980
Height: 5’10’
Position: Striker/Midfielder

Leeds United 1998-2004 with 172 appearances and 38 goals.
Manchester United 2004 onwards. 52 appearances and 7 goals.
Smith has 16 England caps (1 goal)

Fergie tried to convert Smith into the next Roy Keane but the experiment didn’t go to plan and the Man Utd boss was quoted as saying, when Smith returned from injury, that he’d be back as a striker.

If he is now over his injury, it would certainly be a great signing for Villa, he has a nasty, snarling streak that our squad has been lacking and he has played at the highest level. Him and the Hulk (John Carew) up front would surely worry a good few defences in the Premiership?