ALEX McLeish is set to offer £8m in a bid to make Charlie Adam his first signing for Aston Villa ... and he may follow that up with an attempt to grab DJ Campbell too.
McLeish, a controversial choice at Villa Park and wary he must start next season with good results, reckons 25-year-old Adam is just the player to rejuvenate his new club’s fortunes.
McLeish gave Adam his Rangers debut in 2003 as well as his international bow for Scotland four years later, and he has remained close to the midfielder.
He made an unsuccessful offer to sign the Pool skipper in January, when he was in charge at Birmingham.
Liverpool continue to be heavily linked with Adam, and Pool chairman Karl Oyston says “preliminary talks” have taken place.
However, there have been no developments in the last few days and Adam’s representatives have yet to talk to any clubs.
Pool secretary Matt Williams said: “The chairman deals with the sale of players but as far as I’m aware no bids have been made for Charlie.
“We’ve had bits of conversations apparently about one or two players but there has been nothing formal.”
“Basically, he is still our player until anyone tells us different.”
McLeish will have cash to spend when Ashley Young completes his £16m move to Manchester United and needs to beef up the Villa midfield after the exit of Nigel Reo-Coker. Adam appears to be his No.1 target.
McLeish is also aware about DJ Campbell’s availability. The 29-year-old has a £1.25m buy-out clause in his contract and the Villa manager, keen for more options up front, is reported to be interested in a striker who bagged 13 goals in the top flight last term.
