Shaun Teale backs Aston Villa in John Terry chase
Former fan favourite Shaun Teale has backed Villa’s pursuit of John Terry as the battle for the ex- former England skipper heats up.
Villa are going head-to-head with city rivals Blues for the signature of Terry, a free agent this summer after calling time on an illustrious 22-year Chelsea career. Blues moved into pole position last week with boss Harry Redknapp revealing they had made Terry a ‘good offer’ which, it is believed, would make him the highest paid player in the club’s history.
But Villa owner Tony Xia is refusing to back down and it is believed he has now returned with an improved offer.
Terry has been holding informal talks with Steve Bruce and on Saturday was again pictured playing golf with the Villa boss in Portugal. The veteran defender is not expected to make a decision on his future until later this week at the earliest and is also considering an offer from Premier League Bournemouth, who are offering to pay him £100,000-a-week.
Former centre-back Teale, part of the Villa team which won the 1994 League Cup, can meanwhile only see the benefit in signing such an experienced player.
“I think it can only be a good thing,” he said.
“His experience, his leadership and the way he plays the game he is going to teach the youngsters how to play the game properly and how to defend properly.”
Villa could meanwhile face competition from Championship rivals Derby in their efforts to sign Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan.
The 33-year-old is Bruce’s top midfield target this summer and Villa have already seen a bid of £500,000 rejected by the Potters.
Stoke are thought to be demanding at least double that amount for the Republic of Ireland international and with Villa yet to return with an improved offer, Derby are rumoured to be considering an approach.
