Leadbitter's Not Bitter - But I Am

Exciting link time for Aston Villa. Now before I go off on my usual rant, I know that a) Villa aren't responsible for links b) the links are never true c) if they were true we don't have any money so why link us anyway? d) there is no d but stopping at c seemed a bit short!

Anyway, brace yourselves. In fact, sit down, I don't want you falling over. If you are eating or drinking then clear the mouth before reading the link so you don't spit it out all over the screen - right:

Villa are apparently set to raid Sunderland at the end of the season. Vital Villa mentioned the link with Julio Arca, who has also been linked with Manchester City, but now we are also being linked with Grant Leadbitter. Apparently he is a midfielder! The 20-year-old broke into the first team recently and - oh hang on, all is becoming clear - his contract runs out at the end of the season. With David O'Leary no doubt being left by Ellis to feed on sc**ps (unless a takeover ever does happen) he will have to be going for bargain basement players and free signings. Still, looking on the bright side, we'll have a team ready prepared for the Championship the following season.

Bitter? Who sir? Me Sir? No sir. How very dare you.

Sunderland are still keen to keep the player and his agent told skysports.com: 'All we can say at this moment is that talks are ongoing.'

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.