Villa now keen on 'special' centre-back after Calum Chambers; he can also play in midfield

Aston Villa and Everton are two of several top flight clubs who have been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan, TEAMtalk report.

Lenihan, a two-cap international for the Republic of Ireland, has been with Rovers since 2011 and has been labelled as ‘special’ by Tony Mowbray.

The 27-year-old has made 237 appearances for his current employers and has captained the club on numerous occasions in an impressive Championship campaign.

The centre-back, who can also play as a holding midfielder, is out of contract at Ewood Park at the end of June, and Villa are one of the sides seemingly keen on a possible cut-price move.

According to TEAMtalk, Villa, Everton, Leeds, Newcastle and Wolves have registered their interest in Lenihan ahead of a possible free transfer.

Lenihan is eager to play in the Premier League and looks set to delay contract talks until the end of the season. Should Rovers earn promotion, he would consider penning a new deal with the club.

Villa have recently announced the signing of Calum Chambers from Arsenal, so bringing in Lenihan could be a backwards step.

Yes, he has been Blackburn’s best performer this season and can play in multiple positions, however, he has no Premier League experience, and at the age of 27, you’d expect he could be in his prime now.

Therefore, it may not be a shrewd buy when building for the future and could also stop academy signings Josh Feeney and Kerr Smith from progressing into the first team.

Villa have high hopes for the future and have spent big on some high-profile names in recent years, so Lenihan may not be a smart signing when thinking long-term.

In other news: ‘Bottled it’ – Many Villa fans react to Fabrizio Romano transfer update. 

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