Emile Heskey... will be a major coup, both for
Villa and O’Neill, as Wigan insiders believed the move to
Anfield was a done deal.
Aston
Villa are confident they will be able to
announce the capture of Emile Heskey after Wigan last night
accepted manager Martin O’Neill’s £3.5million offer.
The move has surprised Liverpool, who
were confident of signing the England striker. They may respond
with a counter bid this morning, but Villa believe he is their
man.
Villa’s officials were busy trying to push through his
registration in time for Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Doncaster as
the final details were being concluded. They are eager to
rubberstamp the deal in case Liverpool make a move for their former
player.
As the Midlanders turn the screw on their rivals for a coveted
Champions League place, Heskey is set to join fellow internationals
Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young in an attack that could feature
for England at next year’s World Cup finals.
It will be a major coup, both for Villa and O’Neill, as Wigan
insiders believed the deal to Anfield was done and dusted.
However, Heskey was the subject of an alleged internal battle
with factions differing on whether the deal was to be completed in
this transfer window — with the fee — or in the summer, when he
would be out of contract and available on a free transfer.
O’Neill moved quickly after cracks began to appear, seizing his
chance to emerge victorious from a battle with Anfield counterpart
Rafael Benitez for a second time this season after the Spaniard’s
failed attempted to lure Gareth Barry from Villa Park.
