EXCLUSIVE: Villa get green light from Bayern to sign 5m Borowski
03 Jul 2009 - 11:25:17
Aston Villa have been given the green light to pursue their interest in Germany midfielder Tim Borowski but face competition from his former club Werder Bremen.
Villa manager Martin O'Neill is believed to be considering a £5m move for Bayern Munich's powerful 29-year old, and Allianz Arena insiders insist that would be more than enough to prise him away.
New Bayern coach Louis Van Gaal is keen to stamp his mark on the Bundesliga side, after officially taking over earlier this week, and is prepared to sacrifice Borowski to add to his transfer budget.
He may not be short of takers after it emerged that Werder Bremen have also registered an interest in the versatile 6ft 4in German international, who has been used in an attacking midfield role by his country but can also fill the anchor position or even operate on the flanks.
Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf is coming under growing pressure after a 10th place finish last season - their worst for over a decade - and has made it clear to Borowski that he can be a pivotal figure in revitalising their fortunes.
There is bound to be an emotional pull for Borowski after he graduated from the club's Academy and spent eight years in their first team before joining Bayern on a Bosman free last summer and scoring five times in 35 appearances in his first season at the Allianz .
But Villa need midfield reinforcements as well, after reluctantly selling Gareth Barry to Manchester City, and are unlikely to succeed in trying to lure Tom Huddlestone away from Tottenham.
Sportsmail understands Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has assured the England under-21 midfielder he has a future at White Hart Lane and would only consider selling him if a substantial offer came in from one of the Barclays Premier League's top four clubs.
