The Villa Times 06/07/05

Seems the scrap is truly on for Bellamy now with one report saying he is torn between Villa and Everton and another saying it is a three way race with Celtic also hoping to secure his signature. The Mail online suggest his £50k a week wage demands could be a stumbling block for Everton. It also suggests Moyes wants him to play a wide role that he doesn't want to do.

Man City captain and defender Distin is still also being linked to Villa.

Meanwhile the Mirror online suggests Spurs want Darius Vassell. It seems Jol is interested as Vassell could be pushed down the starting order at Villa with the arrival of Phillips. Difficult one that, I have often thought Vassell might need to move away to fulfil his potential, but then again, at what point do you stop talking about potential and start considering the reality. At the moment he has everything apart from the true grit and mental strength to terrify the opponents defences. Not keen on us selling anyone at the moment.

Solano will not face prosecution over alleged passport irregularities following a four-year investigation.

Reports now say that Berson does want to leave Villa. Oh yes he does, oh no he doesn't, oh do we care?! The Berson saga has become a bore, we spent months getting him, never really gave him a chance, now even his exit is on and off.

July 8th is the season ticket renewal deadline.

Carlton Cole is being linked with a permanent move to Portsmouth.

Stuart Taylor has said he is determined to challenge for the No1 jersey and move his career forward. The former England U21 keeper has reported for pre-season training two days earlier than his team mates.

Postma says of Taylor: 'On one hand I am happy that Stuart is here because it makes it easier for me to leave if I can find myself a new club. But on the other hand I was saddened when I heard he had signed because that is almost certainly the end of me at Villa.'

Small Heath and Villa are battling it out to sign 27 year old Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke according to reports. Bakke has spent the last 2 seasons struggling with injuries and only played once last year with a subs appearance.

Graham Taylor has said that Kevin Phillips (who he also tried to sign) can end Villa's goal drought.

31 year old Ulises de la Cruz is reportedly a target for Chilean club Colo Colo. DLC says 'It's a great honour that Colo Colo want me because they are one of the giants in their country,'

Other links include Jimmy Bullard from Wigan and 29 year old Aussie Scott Chipperfield a winger from Basle.

Thought For The Day: If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.