Ridgwell completed his move to Villa's second city rivals in August 2007 for £2million- the first player to move across the city since 1984.
Not to belittle Ridgwell's skills, but is a move for a former player, now in the Championship, a wise move? Moreover, is it an indication that Lerner is only willing to fund bargain transfers on a very tight budget (if at all).
Whilst Villa's recent similar rivals (in terms of league placings) such as Spurs, Liverpool, etc. are looking to bolster their squad with premier league/international quality players, it appears that Villa do not have the same ambition.
In an increasingly demanding league, it is not an encouraging state of affairs. However, the rumour and speculation may be well wide of the truth. McLeish may just be very impressed with Ridgewell and see him as a solution to Villa's leaky defence.
The concern is that Ridgewell may have been sold for a reason in 2007, and to fund a transfer back in the other direction may not yield the desired results.
Having what appears to be a very tight budget and, by his own admission a need to manage the wages, McLeish's options are most probably based in the Chamionship, unless they are loan moves like Keane.
If that is indeed true, then Lerner is in for even more criticism from the Villa faithful and the banners calling for his exit will soon start to appear. I would not condone such actions, but Villa fans have a right to voice opinions about their club, and if Lerner is no longer interested then perhaps it is time for him to sell.
(Follow me on Twitter @MattLeCameron and check out the official Villa Mad Twitter and Facebook pages).