Monaco prepared to swap striker Dieumerci Mbokani for Aston Villa misfit Stephen Ireland

04 January 2011 22:52
Stephen Ireland could follow in the footsteps of Glenn Hoddle and John Collins after Monaco made it clear they will consider a swap deal with Aston Villa for him and Dieumerci Mbokani.[LNB]Monaco made their interest in Ireland known last week with chief executive Marc Keller, a former West Ham and Portsmouth midfielder, a confirmed fan of the 24-year-old.[LNB]Ireland is attracting attention from Premier League clubs but is rated at around £7m by Villa which is prohibitive while the player himself is unsure whether to leave as speculation continues over Gerard Houllier's long-term future.[LNB] Wants out: Stephen Ireland is a target for Monaco[LNB]However, Monaco are ready to use 6ft 1ins striker Mbokani having decided to offload him and knowing that Villa are among a group of clubs to express interest. [LNB]Mbokani, who has attracted inquiries from Everton and West Ham, would fit into Villa's style with his pace and power and is keen to work with a French coach such as Houllier.[LNB] On the move: Dieumerci Mbokani could leave Monaco[LNB]Meanwhile, Curtis Davies returned to Aston Villa yesterday, and was subject of an inquiry by Queen's Park Rangers. [LNB]Davies finished a loan spell at Leicester City and was waiting to hear whether their £2.5m offer would be accepted. QPR's request comes after Villa asked to take Kyle Walker on loan from Tottenham who has been key to QPR's promotion drive this season.[LNB] Sidwell completes medical ahead of switch from Aston Villa to West HamAston Villa v SUNDERLAND: Asamoah Gyan giving Black Cats cause for concernHoullier is still the man to revive Villa! Club's chief backs boss despite woes[LNB]  Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Glenn Hoddle, John Collins Places: Monaco, Monaco, Ireland

Source: Daily_Mail