But, despite deals going through for John O'Shea and Wes Brown, the Wearside transfer eventually fell through for the 23-year-old player amid claims over broken financial promises. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had already planned for life without the midfielder, promoting recalled ex-Wigan loan star Tom Cleverley to his first-team squad, and highlighted Gibson's disappointment last month by saying that the Irishman seemed "to be in limbo".
Villa boss Alex McLeish appears to have come to the rescue with firm interest in the player as he looks to strengthen his squad for a shot at a top six finish in his first season at the club.
Source: DSG