Coral’s Rumour Reel: Remi for Remy as Villa’s Garde seeks striker

Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | December 29, 2015

Aston Villa’s dire straits in the Premier League can only be eased by winter window signings, so head coach Remi Garde is hoping to persuade Chelsea misfit and near namesake Loic Remy to join on loan this January.

Tabloid reports claim Villa feel their hand has been strengthened by the fact that former France forward Remy, who turns 29 in the New Year, was left out of the Blues’ 0-0 draw at Manchester United on Monday.

Villans in Remy raid?

Chelsea caretaker Guus Hiddink was without suspended first-choice striker Diego Costa, but left Remy out of his travelling party, favouring Eden Hazard as a false nine.

A loan spell at Villa Park, similar to the one Remy had from QPR at Newcastle United, could help to raise his profile again with his native France hosting Euro 2016.

Remy’s struggles to make an impact in limited game time in west London again mean he has dropped out of contention for Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps’ national roster. His career started at Lyon where Garde was on the coaching staff before subsequently becoming manager.

Anderson attracting Red Devils?

Man Utd, meanwhile, will try to solve their creativity crisis by turning to Lazio’s Brazil cap Felipe Anderson.