Aston Villa have been linked with a bargain buy move for Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Alan Gatagov. The 19-year-old is seen as one of Russia’s brightest prospects and has represented his country at Under-21 level 6 times netting 3 goals in the process. The youngster is somewhat ambidextrous and can also play at full-back. In the Russian Premier Liga, Gatagov has played 18 times this season though he has only started on 5 occasions, scoring once. Despite a lack of starting opportunities, Gatagov’s performances have caught the eye of a number of big clubs around Europe so if the interest is true, Houllier faces tough competition. Villa are believed to be the favourites to sign the prospect in January and he could cost as little as £1m with the player thought to be keen on a move:
“I am opened to leaving the club if the offer is right for all the parties concerned.”
