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Michael Oakes is thinking over the chance to kick start his career by making a move to Second Division Bristol City. Villa look to be ready to offload the former England under-21 international for a fee of around £500,000. They would lose him for nothing if he waits until the end of the season to leave the club as he would then be a free agent as his contract comes to an end next summer. But any move, if Oakes decides to accept an offer from City, may have to be delayed. Villa are effectively a goalkeeper down after number one, David James, was told to stay away from the club for as long as he needs to as he comes to terms with being involved in a fatal car crash in Chester earlier this week. While James is away from the club, John Gregory is likely to want Oakes to continue to act as back-up for Finnish under-21 international, Peter Enckleman. Enckleman has displaced Oakes as the Villa number two this season and the fact that he is Villa's third choice 'keeper is likely to have a major bearing on any decision that he makes about his future. While a move to Bristol would present him with the chance to play first-team football on a regular basis, it would mean that he would be dropping down two divisions. Oakes also has to consider the fact that he could well negotiate a lucrative move as a free agent in the summer. |