Villa aim to revitalise Radosevic’s career after Napoli nightmare

Premier League side Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Napoli misfit midfielder Josip Radosevic, as they prepare for next season, but may face competition from Russian top-flight side CSKA Moscow.

The 20-year-old Croatian cost the Italian club a reported £800,000 last summer, after playing for them on loan from the January before, but it seems Rafa Benitez is already planning to let him leave.

Villa are not yet safe from relegation this campaign, being four points clear in 14th place, but have and game in hand with five matches to go. They are priced at 16/1 to go down.

Radosevic has been a regular on the bench for Napoli this term, playing just 13 times in all competitions, with no goals or assists. All six of his league appearances have been as a replacement, but has managed just an hour on the field.

His lack of appearances have perhaps been largely due to the Naples side’s solid season in Serie A. They are currently all but assured of finishing in third place, ahead of the likes of Fiorentina, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Radosevic has been stuck behind experienced regulars Jorginho and Swiss international trio Gokhan Inler, Valon Behrami and Blerim Dzemaili.

Former Hajduk Split product Radosevic has gained a sole cap for his country, back in 2012, and was the youngest debutant ever to represent Croatia. However, since then his profile and performances have somewhat diminished, but Paul Lambert is willing to take a chance and help the player restart his career in England.

The Scottish manager is in need of some fresh blood, after a fairly low profile and disappointing campaign. Radosevic is certainly a man with quality, and would be challenging for a starting berth with the likes of Fabian Delph, Karim El Ahmadi, Ashley Westwood and Yacouba Sylla.