Aston Villa have missed out on re-signing John Terry after The Guardian reported that the Chelsea legend is on the verge of joining Spartak Moscow.

What's the word?

On Friday, Terry hinted in an interview with the Daily Mail that he was open to moving back to Villa Park as he claimed that he had “unfinished business” there.

However, The Guardian - as well as a range of other media publications - reported over the weekend that Terry is on the verge of signing a two-year contract at Russian outfit Spartak.

The centre-back spent last season on loan at Villa after joining from Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2017.

When his one-year deal expired Terry was released from the Midlands club, but with Steve Bruce on the hunt for a defender, reuniting with the experienced star made sense.

How much of a blow is this?

At the age of 37, Terry is in the latter stages of his career so it is no major surprise that he has opted for a lucrative move.

It is likely that this will be the defender’s final contract before he calls time on a successful career, that has included five Premier League title wins.

From Villa’s perspective, it is disappointing that Terry is no longer available to scoop up, but they should have done more to convince him to stay on at the end of last season.

Granted, the club have gone through some financial turmoil, but the former England captain’s performances at the back last season warranted him another contract.

Villa are stretched thin at the back, so it is important now for Bruce not to dwell on missed opportunities but focus on what he can do to strengthen the defensive line.

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