Is Gary Cahill Set To Leave Villa?

Gary Cahill is refusing to rule out a January transfer window move to Sheffield United, where he has just spent a very enjoyable and successful loan with.

Likewise, Martin O'Neill seems in no rush to let the young defender leave Aston Villa.

At least things are simple with Sorensen!

Speaking on the official site, Martin O'Neill explained:

'Gary's situation was that he could spend 30 days or 90 days on loan at Sheffield United and he has come back here for the Christmas programme.

'But I will sit down with him and talk with him.

'There is more than a measured interest in him because he's done very well at Sheffield United and that was always going to be the case anyway, but we will make that decision.

'There's quite a substantial amount of interest in him and I think Gary is aware of that because people have been speaking to his agent, so I will certainly be sitting down with him in the lead-up to the games.

'No one can do anything until January anyway as regards wanting to take him.

'Gary's situation is totally different to that of Martin Laursen and Olof Mellberg. Everything will be judged on its merits.

'I will sit down with Gary and see what particular views he's got and I'll put forward my own particular views.'

O'Neill also admitted that Cahill wil have to undergo minor surgery:

'He's back with us but he has to have a minor operation - it's just a little thing on the side of his face, but it will only be a matter of days before he is fit.'

Would that be his cheek by any chance?

To be honest after reading MON's quotes my first thought was he's returned for surgery, and will most likely be let out on a short term loan again where Villa can keep a recall option in place if needed although the 'merits' comment will no doubt be read differently by everybody.

However when you read Cahill's words, a few other questions jump out at you:

'It's hard for me to say because O'Neill holds all the cards at the end of the day.

'I've been to see him five or six times on a one-to-one basis and I won't hesitate to go and see him again if that's what I have to do. He's very approachable and he'll tell you exactly what he thinks.

'Before I came here he never said I was surplus to requirements because obviously I'm a young player and there were more experienced players in front of me at the time.

'But being a fringe player is not part of my make up. Even at a young age I want to be playing week in week out.'

Now have these been taken out of context by United's site to make it sound like the player wants a permanent move, OR it is simply a reponse to asking whether he would be coming back on a loan?

The last comment is both ambitious, showing drive but I wonder how long it'll take some fans to start questionning his loyalty and suggesting he's s little upstart?

O'Neill knows he would have no trouble commanding a decent fee for Cahill, but why would he want to allow such a talented player to leave. All throughout he seems to be an admirer of Cahill, and although you can question why Knight starts and Cahill doesn't, we all know Cahill isn't a finished product so more experience will certainly do him no harm.

Cahill also hasn't given any suggestions of leaving, he just wants to be playing and seems perfectly happy doing that whilst onloan.

For those with long memories, very similar stories circulated when he spent a few months at Burnley, so should we read much into this. Nah, enjoy your Christmas and take a few days off from the conspiracy theories, as there certainly isn't one worth pursuing here.

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