Aston Villa boss undecided on former Premier League trialist

According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce is still undecided on whether he will hand a deal to trialist Christopher Samba.

What’s the story, then?

Well, the former Blackburn Rovers and QPR centre-back has been on trial with the Championship outfit for a couple of weeks now as he looks to earn a deal after being released by Greek side Panathinaikos in January.

Has he impressed?

He may well have done.

The 32-year-old appeared in a behind closed doors friendly and a match for the Under-23 side against Wolves at Molineux on Monday night, and Bruce is keen for him to keep training with the club for the remainder of the month so he can make a final decision.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “I’ve got to sit down with him and his representative and see but there’s been nothing decided just yet.”

Why should Bruce give him a deal?

Because of his age and the career he has had, he would bring a wealth of experience to the backline.

Of course, the fact that he stands at 6’4” tall also means that he is brilliant in the air – something that can be vital most weeks in the Championship.

With Villa seemingly having nothing to play for with the play-offs and relegation spots out of reach, it would also give time for Samba to return to full fitness and bed into the side.

And why shouldn’t he?

Samba struggled in a previous spell in England with QPR and while he is strong in the air, a lack of pace and comfort on the ball have always been one of his downfalls, and two things which of course will likely only deteriate with age.

Do the club have alternative targets?

Well, according to the Brighton Argus, Villa were among the clubs interested in signing free agent Vegard Forren, but the Norwegian defender completed his move to Brighton and Hove Albion on Tuesday night.