Aston Villa plan deal with Tottenham for David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has once again sparked interest in Tottenham Hotspur’s England internationals, Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley. O’Neill is exploring the possibility of bringing both players to Villa Park. The Villa gaffer, whose squad remains one of the smallest in the EPL, is keen to made further additions over the coming weeks and it is understood that fresh talks have been held with a view to trying to pry Jenas and Bentley from White Hart Lane. For a squad that are expected to go well into the knock-out stages of the Europa League, Aston Villa need to strengthen in order to retain a position in Europe next season.

No offer has been formally given to Spurs yet, but Villa are believed to have projected their valuations for the two midfielders. Harry Redknapp is eager to offload Bentley, who was completely out-of-form in his first season at the club after joining from Blackburn Rovers last summer, while Jenas’s future is unclear. The indications are that Tottenham could be willing to do business for the pair, although, as yet, not at a price that Villa would be prepared to pay.

Tottenham would certainly be more willing to negotiate were Ashley Young to be included in any deal but Martin O'Neill will not even consider that for a moment. Villa’s highly regarded manager has already lost two of his most influential players since the end of last season, with Martin Laursen retiring and Garth Barry joining Manchester City. While Bentley and Jenas would both be welcomed by Villa, it seems that a player like central midfield player like Jenas is needed to replace former captain Gareth Barry.