Aston Villa linked with £3m bid for unwanted Spurs defender

If you believe the English sport newspapers, Tottenham Hotspur’s young American right back DeAndre Yedlin has no shortage of suitors this summer. The latest, according to the Telegraph, is Aston Villa, who are rebuilding their squad and are hoping to promote back to the Premier League this season.

Yedlin, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, has in recent days been linked with a move back to Sunderland, as well as to Hull City and Derby County, and even Trabzonspor in Turkey. He’s stated an openness to returning to Wearside in the past, and appears to be frustrated with what has been a lack of opportunities at White Hart Lane.

In fact, about the only team Yedlin has not been linked with is a stay at Tottenham Hotspur. Which is a shame, really, considering he put in two improved performances in Australia against Juventus and Atletico Madrid, playing out of position on the left. Most Spurs supporters were hoping that Yedlin could push Kieran Trippier for minutes, but everything we’ve seen from the club thus far indicates that he’s really not in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.

That said, if you consider possible destinations for Yedlin, then Aston Villa is a pretty decent choice. No, Villa’s not in the Premier League, but they’re a team that’s in pretty dire need of a decent right back. At present, Villa is employing Leandro Bacuna, who is more known as a right sided attacking midfielder, at the fullback position. Beyond him, it’s basically a toss-up between former Tottenham player Alan Hutton and Micah Richards.

You’d have to think Yedlin would like his chances against that trio. Hutton is a hilarious player and I’m still amazed Spurs managed to get actual real money from Villa for him in 2011. Micah Richards appears to be a shell of the player who had a ten year career at Manchester City, and Bacuna isn’t actually a right back. Championship level football aside, Villa would be a pretty good place for Yedlin to land if he wants regular football at something resembling the top flight.

The Telegraph says that they’re considering a £3m bid, which would essentially be break-even money for Spurs. I’m not wild about Yedlin leaving because I still think he’s quite possibly better than Trippier, but as an American I’d almost rather see him depart for regular football than see him languish in the deep reserves at Spurs.