During the August transfer window Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner headed out of the club to make the loan switch out to Birmingham City where he joined up with brother Craig.
It very much seems that injuries have ended whatever spell the 26-year-old was going to have with us at the club despite his significant early promise as an Academy graduate, and despite his destination, he has had a good season, getting plenty of game time – 41 matches in total with two goals and two assists so far.
Speaking to their Official Site this week, Garry Monk confirmed that he would soon be sitting down with Gardner to discuss his future, before then speaking to Villa to see what kind of deal could be done.
“I haven’t spoken to the players yet. It was only last week we managed to reach our objective and we have got a really important game on Saturday, our last home game. But of course, him (Gary Gardner) and Connor in terms of being successful in their loan spells, they have contributed hugely to what we have done this year. There is still a discussion with the players to be had and also a discussion with their parent clubs. To have the possibility of maybe another year with them or whatever situation we can work it to, we will look to do that. It’s not down that line yet but if the possibility is there from a personal point of view, I would like to do it.”
Given their recent points deduction for Financial Fair Play breaches, to me, that reads like he’d want to organise another season long loan spell and there’s no way in hell we should be open to that given his contract naturally expires in the summer of 2020.
Given the year he has had, he should have plenty of suitors willing to pay a fee.
