Hangeland has been linked with a £10million move to Villa, but the club will face competition from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United.
“You never know, there will be a lot of teams interested. But if Martin O’Neill wants him, then just have a go,” Carew told The Birmingham Mail.
“He is a great defender who could fit into any team. If he was to come here it would be positive for the club.
“We have good players here already here, I want to say that – it’s not like we need him.
“But the more good players in each position, the bigger the squad, the better, so if they want to bring in another class defender, midfielder or striker everything is good for the team.”
“Hangeland has been in the top three or four defenders in the league this season. He is the complete defender,” Carew continued.
“He has that strength being so big, he is good in the air, he has good speed, he is one of the best defenders in the league on the ball.
“He has a calmness about him in possession that you almost never see in a defender. He is never stressed, he brings calm to the team.
“Hangeland would be as good for me as Ronny Johnsen when he was in his prime at Manchester United.
“Sir Alex Ferguson said Johnsen was the best defender there and that’s when they had Jaap Stam. To get that from him isn’t bad!
“I think Hangeland will be at least as good.”
