On Friday, former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry told the Express and Star that he wouldn’t rule out playing for the club again.
The 36-year-old is currently trying to help Everton secure European football for next season – they are seventh in the Premier League standings – but he wouldn’t be against a return to Villa Park when he does eventually Goodison Park.
Barry is currently second in the all-time Premier League appearances list – behind Ryan Giggs – and he will want to get that record sooner rather than later.
However, a move to Villa in the summer would almost certainly mean that he would be playing Championship football next season – with the play-offs and relegation looking to be out of reach for Steve Bruce’s men – and his arrival could be the boost that the team and the fans need ahead of a promotion push this time next year.
Here is what a selection of Villa supporters said when the story broke, with many of them keen to welcome the club legend back to Villa Park…
But some fans weren’t so sure on the idea…