Aston Villa have been linked with a surprise swoop for former Spurs and Dundee defender Steven Caulker.

The centre back had been due to train with Ukrainian side Arsenal Kiev, but West London Sport have reported that Steve Bruce is now interested in taking him on trial at Aston Villa.

They've got well-documented problems at centre half, will Mile Jedinak currently partnering James Chester in the heart of the defence.

Caulker came through the ranks at Spurs, but after 29 appearances he earned an £8m move to Cardiff City. He represented Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics, as well as earning a full England cap.

His career quickly unravelled and after 39 outings for Cardiff he switched to QPR.  Loan spells at Liverpool and Southampton followed, but he made just 54 senior appearances for the Hoops in three seasons.

He was released by mutual consent in 2016 and later openly discussed his battles with mental health and gambling addiction.

After time out of the game he resurfaced north of the border with Dundee, which is the club he left in the summer. He's once again a free agent and looking for a second chance in the English game.

The Verdict

This might seem to have come from nowhere, but Steven Caulker is a talented footballer currently walking a road to redemption. He's been admired by many for his open and frank assessment of his previous troubles and a move back to the Championship would please many who want to see him given a second chance.

From Villa's point of view it could be a genius stroke. Caulker was one of the finest young players in the game for a short while and at 26, he's still got the physicality to impose himself on games. If he gets near to his previous levels, Villa might be about to make their biggest signing of the season.

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