Aston Villa’s form in the Sky Bet Championship has been indifferent so far this season, with Steve Bruce’s side not convincing at all during the opening seven fixtures.  

Bruce’s side have won only twice in that time, entering tonight’s clash with Rotherham United sitting 12^th.

Worryingly for Villa, they are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Championship, with a defensive unit that looked solid last season, leaking goals at an early stage of the campaign.

John Terry hasn’t been properly replaced at Villa, with reports from West London Sport crediting Villa with an interest in Steven Caulker, as they consider recruiting to solve their defensive woes.

The ex-Tottenham trainee, now 26, has moved around a lot over the course of his career, recently leaving Dundee.

Bruce is willing to take a look at Caulker on trial, with a view to handing the centre-back a deal.

Here at FLW, we take a look at TWO pros and TWO cons to Villa signing Caulker…

Mile Jedinak has partnered James Chester on occasion this season, whilst Axel Tuanzebe is Villa’s other option.

Neither have been convincing, with Chester still needing a long-term partner.

Brining Caulker in could give Villa’s captain the sidekick he needs.

Whilst Caulker has talent, he hasn’t shown it recently, with his previous spells in English football proving to be disappointing.

Caulker is only 26 and is arguably in his prime, however, there is a reason why he’s a free agent.

Bruce has tried to lower the average age of his playing squad over the summer, but his defensive unit looks like it could do with another experienced head in there.

Whilst Tuanzebe has plenty of talent, there’s no doubt that a more experienced head alongside Chester would help.

Caulker’s signing might be a risk, but the well travelled centre-back could bring a lot.

Villa’s financial struggles might have eased, but they still have to be savvy with their money.

Caulker isn’t going to sign for peanuts - he will still want a significant wage.

The general feeling is that brining Caulker in would be a risk, and an expensive one at that.

[ad_pod ]