Although it might not be popular with a minority of Villa fans, a move for Craig Gardner to Blues would be good for all parties concerned.
The Claret and Blue turned down a £3m bid from their bitterest of rivals over the weekend but Alex McLeish's men are expected to come back in with an improved offer.
And should Blues add another £1m to their original attempt, Martin O'Neill is unlikely to reject it.
That would mean a switch across the city for one of Villa's longest serving players; a man who has spent his entire footballing career to date with the club.
Surely no fan of the Claret and Blue would begrudge him the move because he has given it his all at his boyhood club and it just hasn't been enough.
It has to be said that Gardner would be good for Blues. He would add yet more tenacity to a side that, of late, doesn't give up.
He has a sterling right foot and his status as utility man would undoubtedly give the St Andrews side an added impetus.
For Villa, the move would bring a welcome addition to the bank account and may just allow O'Neill to bolster an area which he is short.
A striker must be on the agenda during the remainder of the January transfer window, with the goalscoring burden weighing heavy on Gabby Agbonlahor's shoulders. The Gardner cash could be added to the buying pot and would give O'Neill some necessary extra leeway.
In fact, a move for the former England Under-21 international could indirectly lead to Villa claiming a top four spot and, more directly, Blues netting a top eight finish.
He will go with the best wishes of the fans and could be one of the only Villans ever to return in a blue shirt without being booed by the majority.