O'Neill lurks with Gabby intent

Going back to the, all too familiar, theme of players following their managers to their new locations now, as Martin O'Neill eyes up the opportunity to bring Gabby Agbonlahor to The Stadium of Light.

Some would see it as a revival of the interim captains career, as new Aston Villa boss, Paul Lambert, looks to bring in Grant Holt from Norwich City to partner Darren Bent up front.

In a story reported by The Mirror, Sunderland's Northern Irish manager will bid £6million for the 25 year old Brummie, if Holt is brought in to link up with Darren Bent, in what would be a little and large partnership.

In O'Neill's time as Villa boss, Agbonlahor flourished as he was not in the starting 11 only once in 4 seasons; in this time he was called up to Fabio Capello's England squad.

Since the former Celtic manager left the Second City, though, the lifelong Villa fans career has stalled somewhat, as he ended the last campaign without a goal in 22 appearances.

The Villains number 11 scored 5 goals, in 33 league appearances last season.

@georgepowell8