Aston Villa boss Alex Mcleish has identified Rangers striker Steven Naismith as his number one January transfer-window target.
Naismith, 25, has spent his entire playing career in Scotland. His first appearance came in the 2003/04 season whilst playing for Kilmarnock, for whom he went on to make over 100 appearances over a five season spell.
During his time with Kilmarnock he won the Scottish Football Writersâ Association Young Player of the Year which prompted interest from both Glasgow giants, Rangers and Celtic.
Rangers announced the signing of Naismith on 31 August 2007 after Kilmarnock accepted a bid of £1.9million. Naismithâs Rangers career started promisingly as he netted 5 goals in 21 appearances during his first season.
That, however, was cut short after he suffered cruciate ligament damage during a Scottish Semi-Cup final match against St Johnston where Martin Hardie stepped on his left knee.
Initially, Naismith returned to the field of play after being treated on the sidelines, but he shortly broke down and had to be stretchered off. The injury kept him out for 8 months.
Last season was Naismithâs most prolific as he netted 11 times in 31 appearances. His tough tackling demeanour, and his adaptability in playing positions (he can play across the front line or as an advanced-midfielder) has led to Mcleish identifying him as his top transfer target.
Naismith should also be available relatively cheaply considering Rangersâ current financial difficulties.
http://www.footie-online.co.uk/2011/09/villa-after-naismith/6395/
I would say £9m is relatively cheap these days in the EPL
Naismith, 25, has spent his entire playing career in Scotland. His first appearance came in the 2003/04 season whilst playing for Kilmarnock, for whom he went on to make over 100 appearances over a five season spell.
During his time with Kilmarnock he won the Scottish Football Writersâ Association Young Player of the Year which prompted interest from both Glasgow giants, Rangers and Celtic.
Rangers announced the signing of Naismith on 31 August 2007 after Kilmarnock accepted a bid of £1.9million. Naismithâs Rangers career started promisingly as he netted 5 goals in 21 appearances during his first season.
That, however, was cut short after he suffered cruciate ligament damage during a Scottish Semi-Cup final match against St Johnston where Martin Hardie stepped on his left knee.
Initially, Naismith returned to the field of play after being treated on the sidelines, but he shortly broke down and had to be stretchered off. The injury kept him out for 8 months.
Last season was Naismithâs most prolific as he netted 11 times in 31 appearances. His tough tackling demeanour, and his adaptability in playing positions (he can play across the front line or as an advanced-midfielder) has led to Mcleish identifying him as his top transfer target.
Naismith should also be available relatively cheaply considering Rangersâ current financial difficulties.
http://www.footie-online.co.uk/2011/09/villa-after-naismith/6395/
I would say £9m is relatively cheap these days in the EPL

