Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill closes in on first signing of summer

Jul 15 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

David O’Leary wanted to bring Distin to Villa in 2005 for over £5 million but the ex-Paris St Germain ace decided to run down his contract at City.

He spent two more seasons at Eastlands before moving on a free transfer to Pompey in 2007 at a time when O’Neill was keen but could not compete financially with Harry Redknapp.

Villa fans know all about Distin having seen him cap a fine display with a superb individual goal at Villa Park in a 3-1 win in November 2006.

Knight, younger than Distin by two years at 29, had hoped he might have an opportunity to establish himself following Martin Laursen’s retirement but will be allowed to move on once the manager has strengthened.

Yesterday Knight was still insisting, in an interview given to the club, that he is ready and raring to go after returning to pre-season training.

“We will miss Martin (Laursen). We missed him at the end of last season. We wish him all the best for the future – he deserves it,” Knight said.

“But it gives others an opportunity now and hopefully that can be me. I want to give myself a good pre-season and then be in the side when the new campaign starts.”