Aston Villa hold Hull’s Huddlestone high on target list this summer

Tim Sherwood is hoping to bolster his Aston Villa squad further this summer, after the likely acquisition of Micah Richards, and Hull City’s Tom Huddlestone is next on the former Tottenham boss’ transfer target list.

It is believed a bid in the region of £5.5m will be tabled by the West Midlands outfit, having managed to secure their Premier League status this season, while Huddlestone’s current employers Hull were unable to avoid the dreaded drop to the Championship (10/3 with Coral to be promoted).

Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley spent the recent campaign on loan at Villa Park, with Sherwood helping to rebuild his confidence and recapture some impressive form, as he helped the club avoid relegation and reach an FA Cup final against Arsenal, which ended in defeat.

Although, the rejuvenated midfielder snubbed a permanent move to Villa, instead opting to join Everton, meaning Sherwood has switched attentions to acquiring Huddlestone, who would significantly improve the midfield areas within his current set-up.

Villa will look to avoid being dragged into another potentially fatal battle at the bottom of the top-flight table next season (7/2 to be relegated), and the capture of Huddlestone could boost their chances of doing exactly that.

Sherwood reportedly wanted to obtain Jake Livermore from Hull this summer, but the midfielder was involved in a controversial off-field incident which has cast doubts over his long-term career, with a possible two-year ban hanging over his head.

Despite failing to help Steve Bruce’s Tigers remain in the top tier, versatile midfielder Huddlestone would bring a great deal of experience and quality to Villa’s ranks, having been a key feature for the Humberside club this term, making 38 outings in all competitions.

Sherwood has brought the best out of several previously stuttering stars such as Cleverley and Christian Benteke during his reign at Villa Park and, having already worked with Huddlestone at White Hart Lane, the confident coach could see the former Spurs midfielder become his latest project.

Hull are facing a mass exodus after dropping down divisions this year, with Huddlestone set to join the likes of Robbie Brady, Abel Hernandez, Nikica Jelavic, James and Chester and Andy Robertson in departing, the ultimate cost of dropping out of England’s top tier.

Nottingham-born Huddlestone still has 12 months remaining on his current contract at Hull, but a £5.5m bid should see his services be acquired at Villa Park, as Sherwood aims to improve fortunes in the west Midlands on his first full season with the previously struggling club.