Emile Heskey boost for Aston Villa

Sep 12 2008

STEVE Bruce has given the clearest indication yet that Emile Heskey will leave Wigan Athletic soon, and that will be music to the ears of Martin O'Neill and Aston Villa who want to add the striker to their ranks.

Heskey rolled back the years and silenced the jeers with a superb display for England in midweek. Bruce, who stood by Heskey in his wilderness years, now knows he could lose him in the next transfer window.

The Latics boss said: "I've said for years that Emile is the best old-fashioned striker of his type.Advertisement - article continues below »

Bruce said: "Emile is exercising his right now to let his contract run out, he has 10 months left here and we will have to wait and see. It's a concern, but he just wants to leave it and that's his prerogative.

"I would like him to stay and we will do what we can. He is happy in his surroundings, but who knows?"

Villa are likely to have stiff competition for the striker with Spurs and Celtic reported to be interested, Heskey knows Martin O'Neill from their time together at Leicester City and that may swing it in their favour.