The Villa Times 25/07/05

Villa have, reportedly, been told they will have to pay £7million if they want Baros from Liverpool. Baros cost Liverpool £3.6m from Banik Ostrava four years ago. The report says Villa bid £5million last week and will return with an improved offer this week. Baros was joint top scorer for Liverpool last year with 14 and that was after coming back from an injury if my memory serves me right.

DOL has denied claims that he wants Vassell out of Villa following links to Tottenham and Man City. 'We are looking for another striker but Darius is still part of my plans, especially when fit. If we can get another striker in, we'll have four strikers and that means we'll have real competition for places.'

Following Villa's 14-0 win against Swedish part-timers Gallstads (Moore 6, Hendrie and Ridgewell 1, Nobby, Angel and Phillips 2) they had to settle for a 1-1 (Nobby) draw with FT Jonkopings. As per usual, some people are moaning online about that result not realising these are practice matches simply for the players to gain match fitness, the outcome doesn't matter one jot.

DOL has challenged Taylor to push Sorenson for the No1 jersey. 'Stuart has that drive and ambition to push Thomas and he's come from a great club. If he shows it when he gets in and does well, then he will stay in. Stuart has fit in, he's looked good and like the other signings, he's a good lad off the pitch.' I wonder if he is 'honest' as well?!!

Luke Moore has hailed Kevin Phillips saying his finishing is awesome - or words to that effect, I've just shut the page with the quotes and can't be bothered to go back and find them, how is that for dedication eh?! Well, it is Monday morning!

Delaney has returned from the Swedish pre-season tour with a knee injury. Fingers crossed this won't mean another season of struggle for the chappie. DOL says the scans have shown nothing serious and that the Welsh wizard (what?) should be fit within 10 days.

More worryingly, Laursen has also returned still can't shake off his knee injury and could miss the start of the season. Ever get the feeling? DOL says 'He's been sent back to England. He's not happy with his knee and, by the time he got back there was nothing much we could do over the weekend. o we'll get him scanned hopefully later today or tomorrow and then we'll know how serious it is. But at the moment, he's certainly looking very doubtful for the start of the season.'

Henderson has had a trial with QPR as he searches for first team football.

No further news on offers for Postma, I hope he gets a move, there is no way he should have to face the indignity of being 3rd choice keeper.

Thought for the day: When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane