Two long-term Mile Jedinak replacements Aston Villa can target
Mile Jedinak has been an integral part of the Aston Villa setup as they came tantalisingly close to qualifying for the Premier League last season, only to lose the play-off final against Fulham at Wembley in May.
Jedinak, a £4million signing from Crystal Palace in 2016, is an excellent midfielder but Steve Bruce has played the veteran star in the defence this season.
The Australian international has been a good servant for the Villans over the past two seasons but has lost his midfield place this season, with John McGinn and Birkir Bjarnason impressing so far. Also not to forget, Jedinak has entered the twilight of his career and it would make sense for Bruce to start planning for life without the Australian midfielder.
That being said, here are two long-term Jedinak replacements Villa must target once the transfer window reopens.
Isaac Hayden (Newcastle United)
Isaac Hayden wanted to leave Newcastle United and handed in a transfer request this summer. However, the move was blocked by the club, reports the Daily Mirror.
Hayden, 23, has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle and come January, he would be better off leaving St. James’ Park.
Aston Villa must target Hayden to replace the ageing Jedinak. Hayden is a solid midfielder and could be an asset for the Villans. The 23-year-old’s grit and tenacity in the middle of the park is his strongest suit and he has the experience of playing in the Premier League, so that will definitely come in handy for Bruce.
Eboue Kouassi (Celtic)
Signing a long-term replacement for Jedinak is definitely a necessity and Bruce could do well by luring Celtic ace Eboue Kouassi to Villa Park in January.
Kouassi, 20, has gotten limited opportunities at Celtic this term, with Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham nailing their places in the midfield under Brendan Rodgers. A lack of game time is certainly frustrating for a youngster and Kouassi could jump at the chance to leave Parkhead if Villa come calling in January.
Kouassi, a combative midfielder, possesses a fantastic range of passing, has a good control of the ball and can come up with the spectacular on his day.
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The young Ivorian will be a good alternative to replace someone like Jedinak and Bruce could be the man to help Kouassi take his game to the next level.