SHOULD GINOLA BE A VILLAIN?
Spurs' boss George Graham and the fans' favourite have never quite seen eye to eye and Tottenham's director of football David Pleat confirmed: "Aston Villa have made an offer for David Ginola and, after some discussion, the club has allowed Ginola to speak to Villa."
It will be good news for the Villains and, in particular manager John Gregory who appeared to be on the receiving end of a mass exodus after Julian Joachim, Ugo Ehiogu, Gareth Southgate and Paul Merson were all allegedly involved in transfer speculation away from the Midlanders.
Ginola's famed creativity would surely benefit a Villa side that looked so devoid of attacking ideas in their FA Cup final defeat against Chelsea. It will come as no surprise to Spurs' fans that the skilful winger embarked on more successful dribbles and runs than any other Premiership player during the 1999-2000 season.
Indeed, Ginola's total of 291 forays with the ball was almost 100 more than second-placed Harry Kewell of Leeds. Rumours have been rife that the Frenchman will be leaving White Hart Lane this summer, and the deal could centre on Ginola's willingness to move to the Midlands.
However, after wowing the Newcastle faithful before his move to London in 1997, the former French international may not have too many qualms about leaving the capital. If Ginola decides to go then he may well be lining up next to the former Arsenal midfielder and fellow creator Paul Merson.
Both players set up eight goals for their respective clubs in 1999-2000 and the Villa crowd would be licking their lips at the prospect of them tearing down the left and right flanks of Villa Park. His penchant for a dip at goal is a further aspect of the Gassin-born winger's game that Gregory will not want to alter if Ginola completes a move to Villa.
Only Kewell and West Ham's Frank Lampard fired in more than the French superstar's 53 shots from outside the area during the 1999-2000 campaign, and although Ginola netted just once from distance, clearly he will always pose a threat to defences.
The 1999 Footballer of the Year would certainly give a creative spark to an often-jaded Villa team and may send out a positive message to any of the disgruntled Villains' players seeking a move.
World class as he is, Ginola may be the catalyst to an upsurge in the Midlanders' fortunes.
Click here for the exclusive opta stats to compare Ginola's performance last season with Paul Merson
