Naughton the latest link, do we need him?

Kyle Naughton was hotly linked with us earlier on this summer, and now links have resurfaced regarding the Tottenham full back. Lambert of course is no stranger to the player, having had him on loan at Norwich last season, where by most accounts he did rather well.

I like the idea of Naughton, and I think he has the talent to be one of the top full backs in the league. He was the higher regarded player when he and Villa old boy Kyle Walker made the move from Sheffield United, but has found chances at Tottenham limited, and now finds himself down the pecking order. After the signing of Lowton though, it seems a bit of a strange one.

Of course Naughton has the ability to play in a number of positions, as does Lowton actually, and as we’ve mentioned a number of times, the more quality players we can add to the squad the better. If he were to come in, then it be very interesting to see who played where, and how they coped. Maybe Lambert sees him as the answer to our left back worries, but personally speaking, I like to see players line up in their preferred positions. We saw with the Hutton at right midfield debacle, that sometimes, it can end in tears. A number of sources have mentioned the link, and here is a little excerpt from the goal.com report:

‘Villa made enquiries for Naughton at the start of the summer as new manager Paul Lambert looks to re-unite with the 23-year-old following his season-long loan spell at Norwich last term.

The Midlands outfit were priced out of a move for the full-back at that time but now want to re-open talks over a deal for the former Sheffield United man.

Naughton would cost around £5 million and Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is ready to listen to offers as he streamlines the Londoners’ squad.’

If he were to come in then great, he’s another young player who can be a big part of any Villa team going forward. At the moment though I just don’t see it. We have Lowton, Lichaj and Hutton (who’s still hanging around) at RB, so unless one of them switches to LB, then maybe this is a no-go.

I think we have a few key areas to fill, and for me they’re left-back, centre midfield, winger and striker. As good as Naughton is and can be, he doesn’t fill any of these roles. Of course whatever Lambert decides is more than alright for me, as I’m thinking he might know a few more things about what Villa need than this humble blogger. Still, it be an interesting one, and it’s one of those where I wouldn’t mind either way.

UTV.