With Aston Villa releasing Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak this summer, Dean Smith will need at least one player moving in the opposite direction to provide steel in midfield and composure in possession.
One player who has showcased such attributes is Muhamed Besic. The £30k-per-week Everton midfielder spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough and is surplus to requirements at Goodison Park which could be music to Villa’s ears.
The 26-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Boro, scoring and creating seven goals. Besic has amassed 2272 minutes of playing time in the Championship, creating 46 chances and making 53 successful dribbles (62%).