Specualtion has been rife surrounding the future of John Carew at Aston Villa but it now seems the former favourite may have played his last game for the club against the Blues last weekend. Since the 1-1 draw Villa have signed Darren Bent, a move which many believe will signal the end for the Norwegian under Gerard Houllier. The pair fell out over some pretty innocent comments regarding Carew’s expiring contract, which the striker took offence to. Since then Carew has failed to feature from the start, other than Sunday’s recall through injury and then a series of other ‘injuries’. Either way his heart doesn’t look in it anymore and it looks like he may be on his way with a loan move looking likely, with a view to what would be a free transfer come the end of the season. West Brom were thought to be favourites up until yesterday after holding a long term interest but it appears that Stoke may well have jumped ahead of the Baggies in the queue. Sunderland were also linked with a cheeky bid after Villa poached prize asset Darren Bent although this seems least likely. Despite Roberto Di Matteo’s admitted interest, it appears that Tony Pulis were willing to offer the club and player a more rewarding financial package. If Stoke were to get their man, who they have stated is a “a quality player and someone we would be interested in” then it has been touted to pave the way for a move to Sunderland for Ricardo Fuller, to replace Bent. Carew has now passed a medical at the Britannia Stadium and is expected to sign on loan until the end of the season, ahead of the weekend’s games. Confusing merry-go-round stuff!
