“Hasn’t looked the same…” – Sunderland, Southampton and Watford offered insight on Aston Villa target

Bristol Rovers fan pundit Steve Hutson, believes the Gas won’t struggle without Lamare Bogarde following his Aston Villa recall.

HIGHLIGHTS

After the former Rotherham manager took over at the Memorial Stadium,

Bogarde returned to Bristol Rovers for a second stint under Joey Barton, but he

found that his playing time was restricted under Matt Taylor.

The defensive midfielder played just once at Rovers under Taylor before being recalled by the Premier League side.

Bogarde “hasn’t looked like the same player as he was when we first had him”

FLW’s Bristol Rovers fan pundit Steve Hutson believes the Gas won’t struggle

without Bogarde but insists the midfielder is Championship-ready as

interest increases throughout the division.

“It’s an interesting one because, for me, he hasn’t looked like the same player that he was when we first had him,” he stated in an interview with FLW.

 

“I believe he will be somewhat, if not championship ready.

 

“I’m not sure how much of a setback this is for Rovers. We have a really strong midfield. Whether we’re attacking with him or not, we look quite nice.

 

Therefore, while I don’t think it’s a huge setback, losing a player of that caliber will undoubtedly hurt your team.

 

“Hopefully we can dip into the market over the next month and try and fill some of that gap.”

Sunderland could make the biggest push

Sunderland could make the biggest push to bring in Bogarde if Michael Beale loses key players in this window, with Premier League sides circling.

Top half Premier League clubs have reportedly shown interest in Black Cats midfielder Dan Neil, while fellow midfielder Pierre Ekwah has been the subject of links with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Crystal Palace and the Wearsiders may need to bring in reinforcements if they lose their midfield pair.

Southampton are chasing an automatic promotion spot and Russell Martin may look to add depth to his midfield as they continue to chase down Ipswich Town and Leicester City.

Bogarde would undoubtedly be a good backup option for the Saints’ midfield even though he is unlikely to be the starting choice.

 

Cardiff City, who are three points behind Sunderland in sixth place and pursuing the playoffs, will be trying to bolster their position as the second half of the season approaches.

 

Given that Bogarde might be on the verge of injury and Aaron Ramsey’s status is questionable, Erol Bulut might try to bolster his midfield.

 

Imran Louza appears to be likely to leave Watford this window. In order to give backup in midfield, Valerien Ismael may consider adding more possibilities, especially for the seasoned Jake Livermore.