Sky Sports - N'Zogbia set for Villa move
Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia could become an Aston Villa player by the end of the week, the Midlands club have announced following the agreement of a £9.5million fee.
N'Zogbia is now due to discuss personal terms with Villa and then undergo a medical before the deal is complete.
This is essentially a done deal, and so Aston Villa repair some of the damage done by the loss of Ashley Young & Stewart Downing. Expect N'Zogbia to take up set pieces, with Albrighton lining up on the opposite wing for the new season, and to be honest I don't think that's too much of a downgrade.
Both players have great delivery, will be keen to impress their new boss and I'm expecting strong fantasy performances from both. Darren Bent should continue to thrive as the spearhead of the attack and will of course take over full-time penalty duty with Young out of the picture. I'll be looking at Villa players in the opening few weeks as they have quite a nice start to their schedule (away to Fulham in Week 1 but then home to Blackburn & Wolves in Week 2 & 3).
It's not such a happy story for Wigan Athletic, losing the man who was the difference between relegation and survival in the final months of last season. With N'Zogbia in the final year of his contract Dave Whelan obviously felt he had little choice but to take the cash on offer, but the key to this is how they invest it.
Roberto Martinez is a bright young manager and will try to bring in a replacement/s who will play football the right way, but with their best player gone, paltry crowds and another relegation battle on the cards, how attractive are Wigan to potential signings? It's set to be another tough season for the Latics but they have the chance to start it well - they face the three promoted sides Norwich, Swansea & QPR in Week 1, 2 & 3.
Cheers,
AM
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