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United and Villa in Barnes switch

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United and Villa in Barnes switch

The January transfer window has only just opened but the Rams have been busy strengthening their squad. Young Rams midfielder Giles Barnes has been linked to a number of clubs including West Ham, Spurs and Aston Villa, and it`s reported he could be involved in a transfer triangle with Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Villa boss Martin O`Neil is a huge fan of the 19-year-old and he is still monitoring the Pride Park teenager, and he would be a perfect replacement if Gabriel Agbonlahor, who has been rumoured to be a target of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, leaves.

Paul Jewell would be reluctant to sell his young prized asset, who has been tipped to be a big star of the future, but he has said if the price is right for Derby County he will not stand in his way.

Barnes does fit the mould of a typical O’Neill target, and the Irishman has assembled an impressive array of young talent at the club and has developed the likes of Ashley Young, Agbonlahor and Craig Gardner, and Barnes would fit in at Villa Park.

Villa, who were linked with the Barking-born star last season, are yet to make an official approach for him and they will face stiff competition for his signature.

It seems Manchester United is contemplating a move for Villa Under-21 international, Agbonlahor, and if this happens Barnes will be off to Villa Park.

Agbonlahor has a contract at Villa until 2011, but it`s expected that a bid of around £15m would test Villa`s resolve – with the Rams looking at £6m for Barnes.

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