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January Transfer Window Thread Pt1

Ok, here we go, I've resisted temptation up until now, but what the heck. Lets get all the transfer rumours, links, wishes and gossip going again in our January Transfer window thread.

During the summer we had a thread that ended up running to ten parts with nearly 4000 comments, most of them on the frustrations, lets hope this January Transfer thread will be all positive and full of arrivals.

So far we've been linked with:

Inwards:

Jose Bosingwa (who was also strongly linked in the summer) from Porto.
Peter Crouch returning from Liverpool.
Scott Carson signing on a permanent deal.
Wayne Hennessey, Wolves keeper.
Jermain Defoe from Spurs (we have to be linked with at least one Spurs player otherwise it isn't like a transfer window at all!)
Wes Brown from Manchester United.
Giles Barnes for around £5million from Derby County
John Arne Riise from Liverpool.
Nicolae Dica, Steaua Bucharest striker.
Kyle Lafferty who plays for Burnley.
Steve Sidwell from Chelsea
Maurice Edu, a 21-year-old midfielder from FC Toronto.

Outwards:

Olof Mellberg, it also looks like Olof Mellberg might be on his way to Juventus as he is free to leave in the summer.
Thomas Sorensen who has fallen totally out of favour at Villa.
Martin Laursen might also start looking at options (including a link to Spurs) if he isn't given a new contract soon.
Gabby Agbonlahor has also been linked to both Manchester United and Arsenal.
Martin O'Neill, still being linked with the England job but with luck that situation will be resolved in the next week or so to end the speculation!

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Writer: J P Fear

Date:Wednesday December 12 2007

Time: 1:11PM

Your Comments

Dear Randy, for Christmas I would like Nicolas Anelka. Thank you very much.

The Fear

surely not le sulk, give MON a break !lol

Terriers

here we go again. i would like hoyte (boswinga wont leave now they are through in the champs league) matt taylor cause maloney will be offski. wouldnt mind mendes from pompey, defoe???? crouch?????

Stig

A creative midfielder & right back. Can't see Carson signing until the end of the season, unless Pool want to offload ASAP. Maloney will be out, but that will also hinge on a replacement. My main concern is keeping hold of Gabby. Anelka would be class but we need MON and our money men to persuade him. Matt Taylor looks a very obvious candidate, but will Redknapp play ball after his roasting from the Villa Chavs!

tarzan

We have absolutley no chance of signing Anelka,only a top 4 side would get him and he'd be worth more than 20 mil.Wagner Love or Alfonso Alves would be worth a shot.

Pking

Vicki pollard in goal. Jonathan ross as creative right mid and new captain. Lenny Henry upfront to partner gabby and carew and distract opponent goal keeper. Paula Radcliffe at right back to run up and down the flanks all day and finally President David Palmer (from 24) as centre back. Thanks Randy Santa.

johnnyuk

Please don't ruin my new Year MON! you did so my summer so now its time to buck your ideas up matey.

*Holte*End*Star*

I think we need to start a petition going to get MON on Newcastles case about Jamie Milner. He's the man for the job and with him on the right and Young on the left we would have fast attacking young wingers. I don't see why we don't already have him. I don't care what we pay we need that guy.

PTP

I cannot see Carson signing. I think we may see which clubs go down with possibly Bolton and Sunderland....Defoe would have come by now, really unsure about who is going to be coming in this January....very unsure and worried!

KSarge1

I hope we don't sign Carson to be honest. He's a good keeper but if we pay 10m for him I'll throw up. You pay 10m for a promissing young striker but not for a keeper. Surely MON can't moan about infalted prices then pay up that much for Carson.

PTP

PTP: I've never understood that reasoning, tbh. It seems to me that, although strikers are very important, you CAN run a team with goals coming from all over, but you simply CANNOT do without a really top notch keeper. Not only does he keep the goals out, but he is the keystone upon which your entire team is built. A good, confident keeper means your defenders aren't always looking over their shoulders, which means they're facing the right way to support the midfield, which means ... In my opinion, a good keeper is worth as much as a good striker.

BobTheBuilder

BTB & PTP, Schmeichel was a major part in the start of Manur'e dominance, but is Carson really that good? We paid almost 10s for Nige and he is definitely not worth that much but you would have to say that Young is. IMO we need cover all over the park other than centre back and left wing. Some of the youngsters aren't good enough yet or maybe won't be ever. We still have Salifou chomping at the bit to tear the prem up but will he make the grade. You have got to take chances but how much and who.MON has got a difficult job doing this wheeling and dealing business so I sympathise with him from his non activity in the summer. UTV

Villan444

You have a very good point there, still I think if we pay up other teams will look to up their prices when selling to us. Plus its Liverpool. If they're going to charge us that much we should pay a bit more an' geh lil crouchy aswell

PTP

No one want Defoe and SWP anymore? how sad

avfc48

IF Maloney goes I wonder how much we'll get for him. Part-ex for Boruc maybe? Can't see Defoe coming, he said at the weekend that he deosn't want to leave London. Boswinga, can't see that happenening either. If we sell Maloney I could see us going for Dica as a direct replacement. Would love to see Matt Taylor, particularly as I feel Berger has had his day. Like the idea of Milner but can't see that one happening either. Really don't know of any alternatives at right back unless we have a suprise from the continent. Not long to wait now.

Jon.H

I like Nige, I think he could do well, don't know why but I just think that. Young is better than I ever hoped but he dives and I'm not likin' that from a villa boy. Haven't seen Salifu play yet but hopefully he'll get a go in the prem soon. Don't think he plays reserves anymore? SWP isn't going to happen and I don't know if I want him that much anymore, much rather Milner as I think he's the future England RM. Would have Defoe anyday, wouldn't mind Bent either. Doesn't anyone care about Milner?

PTP

pking, you'll be telling me Father Christmas doesn't exist next. We are a top four club in waiting, aren't we?!?!?

The Fear

SWP would be too similar to what we have surely avfc48?! As for Defoe, I'd not be gutted if we got him, but do think we are more likely to get Crouch.

The Fear

I think Crouch is off to Man City.

Jon.H

Maybe if we tie Carson down now it will give him a boost for the rest of the season ???........Anyway we need a right back rumours have it Jose Bosingwa will come for 7m, which i wouldn't mind, and i reckon we should go for Sidwell, he made his mistake going to Chelsea and now it's time to get his career back on track....We need to go in for WES BROWN, if we did get Jose Bosingwa then if he gets injuried at least Brown can move onto the right, i would like to see him partner Laursen, Anyway Think we should also go for Riise to give us another option in Midfield, he has a fantastic long range shot and its what we really miss, i mean if someone packs out the defence we usally can scape a drawn but we need them long rangers to be shooting straight through or over the defence. Anyway striker wise we need someone who is smart, strong, fast, and maybe a big ego....we haven't had a big ego player for some time, and its them players that hurt and feel really embrassessd if they don't score and it pushes them even more, look at Henry/Rooney/Torres/Drogs all have big ego's and all of them push themselves even harder if they aren't scoring regular.

Villa 4 Ever

Allow Wes Brown though, he's brass

PTP

Outwards: Harewood (???)

bazzah

Dont forget Gareth Barry has been linked with a £15m move to Chelsea as well..... tabloids 'eh!!! I would like to see, Inwards: Bosingwa, Riise, Dica and a good right winger (possibly Milner). Anyone know what our budget is?

bazzah

Will Dica really come to Villa? Barry stays thats for sure. I don't think we need riise, I like bouma and I'd hate to see him replaced and lets face it, Riise's long shots only hit the target about 1 in 20. Haven't heard anything about budget. Surely thats not a problem though, its not like we're gonna go for any big stars.

PTP

Riise isn't really playing but whats good about Riise's shots means the strikers can get the rebounds, also it makes the the others defence push up abit to make sure he can't shoot from that range which means it opens them up on the through balls, like i said it adds another option, also if we do play 4,5,1....Left to right... Carson, Bouma, Laursen, Brown, Bosingwa, Young, Riise, Reo-Coker, Barry, Sidwell, Carew/Gabby. Also in the 4,4,2 at home etc we could play Young on the right and Riise on the left....Anyway, Harewood out-4m (i hope) Maloney-5m maybe...Sorro...Anyway if we get Brown in and Bosingwa i wouldn't mind Juve having Mellberg in jan for like 2m.....

Villa 4 Ever

I don't Jon H, I think Crouch will be a Villa player come January, we'll see!

The Fear

“I think it’s a fair assumption that we would have more choices come February,” said O’Neill. “Now I’m not saying we’re looking around or that a player will come in on January 3, but we need to strengthen and we’ve earmarked some people and it will be great if it materialises.”

The Fear

I think Sven is planning on teaming Crouch and Owen up front together and if the rumours are true he has a mega budget available to him. Sidwell seems to be getting a few mentions, is there any substance in this?

Jon.H

Wes Brown isn't brass, he's copper ;)

Villan444

have not got the foggest idea who we are going to sign if anyone its no good dreaming who we would like. it wont happen last summer proved that....but if you want to dream how about david villa

claretandblue

according to martin o,neil he wants a full back a left sided player and a striker and hes got a nice big kitty to buy the players he wants...birmingham evening mail .

claretandblue

with those outs I would rather have no Ins. Mon off to england Gabby off to United Laursen off to god knows where. please dont make these be true.

villabikes29

What! you're not linked with Matty Taylor, Pedro Mendes?...Give it a week

pentonpompey

Names like defoe and crouch get banded about but we end up buying zat knight and marlon harewood. So i'm guessing robbie savage and titus bramble for the villa in january. Push for europe is in our grasp

krisvilla

That's what i don't get...We was meant to have a massive (unlimited) amount of money in the summer yet it was the same old story, i would like to see some creative foreign players like Petrov from Man City.

Villa 4 Ever

HI Guys - i need to get a hold of Glensider - can anyone tell me how. maybe Fear as an indea. Glensider as a shirt that i am trying to get from him.

Pablo1978

Bye Sorenson, Mellberg, Harewood and Maloney. Welcome Bosigwa, Taylor, Riise, Sidwell, Dica, Defoe and Crouch!! happy holidays ahead!!!!

bentonm

I've heard scouts and coaches have been over to see Valeri Domovchiyski (Levski Sofia) and a bid will be tabled in January... sounds like a promising kid

Man Of Pi

Why don't you come on over Valeri...?

Man Of Pi

I've had enough of these promising kids. I want an experienced midfielder that is proven. I would have had Riise a while ago but I bet if we get him now he will be stoopidly overpriced. Didn't the Riise rumor start over Carew saying he's his mate? Is there anything saying we want him other than that?

PTP

It wouls seem the Riise likn has taken a backstep as Raffa now enters a battle with the owners over money.

col8

A kid maybe, but he's playing well in the champions league right now...

Man Of Pi

FFS havent we signed anyone yet! :-)

*Holte*End*Star*

I'd rather see Harewood stay and Luke Moore leave - Moore has had his chance and hasn't performed. At least Harweood is prepared to battle and is appreciative of the fans. Moore seems to me to have a poor attitude..... we'd get some money for him as he has 18 months on his contract and I honestly think his career will follow the same path as brother Stefan....

gmvillan

Think with Luke though is he is still young and has time to develop. He is only 21, most strikers aren't at the top of their game until at least 25.

LOL holte*end*star, had to get in first didn't you!?!?!? ;-p

The Fear

Luke Moore aint got it. End of.

weller77

You need a striker who can score you 20 goals a season.

Real Deal

sorry but i think lukes just not good enough and reckon he will end up in the championship he seems to have given up, 15 goals in 93 games is very poor he has the talent but so did stefan and we all know whats happened to him and maybe this as effected him some way.

claretandblue

he's a villa boy though. I like having villa fans playing for the club and if MON can get him to try he might fill out his potential.

PTP

claretandblue that aint that ******* poor, if you do your homework he has scored 4 goals last season out of 13 matches he played in the premiership with 6 of them being subs, and the season before that he scored 8 goals out of 27 matches 11 of them coming on as sub, so he aint that ******* rubbish....idiot.

Villa 4 Ever

villa 4 ever theres no need for abuse your missing the point and that is hes not scoring enough goals to play in the first team and the guy does not want to be a reserve or a sub he was offered a contract but he refused it its a shame he has the talent like i said but so did stefan moore but for some reason its just not clicking for him and martin oneil has stated hes looking for another striker which will put him further down the list of main strikers...so if you want to say abuse go and do it with your school boy mates because your an idiot for wrighting such an article in the first place.

claretandblue

Wrighting ??? is that a new word you just made up ??? Anyway I'm 18 and will be in the army in April (tank Driver) so hardly at school, And i censored them not the forum, but your still an idiot for saying he hasn't scored enough, better scoring record than Carew, Harewood, Maloney.

Villa 4 Ever

PTP I guess you assume that Riise and Carew are mates as they are both Norwegian. Does that make Dion Dublin and Robbie Savage mates, as they are both English. The simple fact is, they get on as professional footballers but mates they are most definately not. It's no secret that during one training session for the Norwegian national team, they had a big bust up and later, on the bus, Carew laid Riise out.

Villain Of The North

I know VOTN but they have become mates since then and no hard feelings about what happened back then, reminds me when Mellberg KOed Lungberg. I would still like Riise and think Carew would welcome him to come.

Villa 4 Ever

Jimmy Milner or David Bentley please Mr Santa Randy. Either would be the perfect fit in this fast developing team of MON's. Plus a specialist right full back, if there's a good one out there.

glensider

I know there was a thread on this some time back, but what Right Backs are there out there that are that good? I reckon ManU may be on the look out for one as well, with Neville being injured so much lately, so we will have competition for the best. Apart from Boswinga/Hoyte/Johnson, who would be acceptable? And why the shortage in one position?

CLVilla

I'm not saying that Carew and Riise dislike each other, all I'm saying is that they are not good mates as implied by PTP. I'm sure Carew would welcome Riise as a good pro who he already knows how to play with but I seriously doubt that he has any additional influence over him that a genuine friendship might bring.

Villain Of The North

Incidentally, I know Riise has played LM but he really is not a MF player, he's an LB. Have we not had enough criticism of O'Neill playing players out of position without buying a new player only to play him out of position?

Villain Of The North

He adds another option for us to play with, he can play LM perfectly fine and has a deadly long range shot which we would need to explot, But the best thing about him is that he will actually move and overtake the LM when playing LB. Anyway i don't want him to over take Bouma, but i think he could well do a job for us in LM.

Villa 4 Ever

Wasn't impressed with what was brought in in the last window for a start why reo when we had gardener who played brilliantly at the end of last season then we sell ridge and loan out cahill and buy knight, so I'm not looking forward to this window as much.

chris the villan

dare i throw michael owen's name into the hat? if anyone can get him fireing again its oneill - he will have to think about his wage demands though, 105k p/w - jog on.

Stig

We've got to hold onto wee Shaun Maloney after today's goal (Sunderland). That's 4pts that have been gained from his direct intervention in games this term - we only bought him for £1m and so far it seems like money well spent.

bazzah

i agree with you bazzah and i think the lad has a lot more to show us than he already has all he needs is a run in the team. start him instead of gardner next week please!!!

villabikes29

yes, keep Maloney but Huddlestone anyone? Looks a class act and put him on an individual weight programme and who knows?

Gordonsleftboot

According to Tribal Football, Slavia Prague are 'chasing' Patrik Berger. Surely it wouldn't take them much to catch him? Great player, but time for him to go, his fitness has ruined a very fine career. He is out of contract in the summer and it is surely 99.9% certain that Martin O'Neill won't look to extend his stay?

The Fear

Gerbil Defoe in to replace Lukey Moore. Some RB in to replace Olly. Some CB in to replace Zat who hasn't progressed any since joining. And I fancy a LB to put Wilf under some pressure.

evoflash

WBA boss has said he isn't interested in Luke Moore.

The Fear

The Sun's report on the Sheff Utd game is almost entirely about Cahill turning his loan into a permanent move. He seems to have been quoted as saying that he needs first team football and would beup for a permanent move. SURELY we are not going to let this happen? I thought not too long back he said his future lay at VP? Lets hope this is just the press twisting things.

Adam Deuce

I think someone is seeing stars mate... You aint getting Jack

Millwalljohn

Jack who? nobody decent called jack!

KSarge1

Jack Charlton?

KSarge1

Jack Anory?

weller77

Jack Sea......

KSarge1

Isn't Jack Sea related to Alan B'Stard?

Jon.H

I think Citeh may have just done a masterstroke by getting Castillo

Pking

Get David Bentley in, before he heads off to Spain.

glensider

Jack Sheet, Jack Daniels.

KSarge1

I get a funny feeling Jemaine DeFoe will be Villa bound come Jan 1st! Especially after his reaction last night!

KSarge1

"they had a big bust up and later, on the bus, Carew laid Riise out." Villain Of The North Ok, I didn't know about that. I had read articles with Carew saying he thinks Riise should come and that he knows him from Norway team. Just because he knocked him out doesn't mean they're not mates. Riise's ***** anyway, maybe not ***** but we don't need him as willy's doing a fine job IMO. Lets just get Milner, skip Defoe, Get Bent and any right back who wants to play here.

PTP

Some people really seem to be expecting quite alot out of this window. People saying players like Dica, Owen, Defoe will come to us need to sort their heads out. You have to remember we're not that big yet. Defoe could go somewhere getting champions league football so why would he come to us? I'd say we're more likely to get Forsel

PTP

A couple of wins will put us in the Euro spots, then any players playing for teams not already in Europe or not likely to get there this year will jump at the chance. But are there any players like this good enough??? We don't need Defoe. Wrong attitude although Spuz have treated him like a turd he could not bear to be without his London Chav lifestyle.

Villan444

PTP Defoe is playing for Tottenhan, who on this years results are likely to finish below us. He would get nowhere near the Liverpool,Man U,Chelsea or Arsenal 1st 11. He is a bench warmer for a team in the bottom half of the table, of course he is a realistic target. Owen is not realistic, Dica possibly, Bosingwa no chance.

KSarge1

Hoyte and Gudjohnson - probably not. I'd suggest Joey rather than Eider!! We perhaps should take a punt on a couple of loans rather then premanent transfers is we can't get any real quality. Not sure how that sits with the rest of the team though

tarzan

Eidur Gudjohnson? No thanks.

evoflash

We should be putting down a real marker for our future intentions, it should have been done in the summer, bringing in a real quality signing to show we mean business. I would assume that is what the board would like to see anyway. Gudjohsen is (or was?) a top player but............. ? Hoyte would be good though I'd have thought, young, hungry and a point to prove.

The Fear

gudjohnsen even! ^^^

The Fear

Gudjohnsen is absolute pure class and still only 29 years old, Loads of Champions League experience and a massive BIG game player. There is not a forward in our squad who would start in front of him!

KSarge1

I say sign Steve Sidwell, originally destined for Villa until Chelsea hired him as a life size bench warmer.

KSarge1

Sidwell, Gudjohson. It's all down down to whether we can match their wage demands I'm afraid. I'm going to be negative here, why the hell would Gudjohnson join Villa? We don't have champions league football.

tarzan

Face it, Gudjohnsen has been at Chelsea and Barcelona, playing Champions League football for a good few years. He's 29 now, and has one good big contract left in him. He'd come to Villa and get well paid but would he bother? my thought is.....NO. Tell me this, where will the passion come from for him eh? A chance to get in to the top 4 (maybe?) A good cup run? UEFA cup spot? I'm sorry, but we just aren't Barcelona yet, and I don't see how he would ever get himself into the 100% effort mode we Villa fans love. I think Mr O'Neill would be making a massive and costly mistake signing Eidur Gudjohnsen.

evoflash

Plus he isn't good enough for his wage demands. I'd have Sidwell but I don't see it happening and I won't be too upset when we don't get him. We don't need CM or ST roles anyway, not nearly as much as a right side, if we had 2 Ashley youngs we'd be sorted so We should all write to MON and let him know that James Milner is CLEARLY what we need, Any right back that can play and a back up, send Olly on his way with a smile and a pat on the back and make sure we keep Cahill. If we can do all those things we'll get europe and then champions league in the next 5 years

PTP

Gudjonsen is a class act. A cool finisher and great technical ability. As for his age..he is exactly the kind of bridge player we need. Someone of his ability and 24 yrs old will go to a top club. We need to use players like eidur to get us up there so we can attract the best players in their prime. He would be a quality signing and big names atrract big names and so the virtuous circle keeps going.

tylervilla

Scott Carson for beard of the season!!!

Carlosio

Gudjonsen is a fantastic finisher and could be the poacher we need in the box to benefit from the improved service from the wings that ash provides . I have said before that a left winger alowing Ash to go on the right is what we need, and with a good finisher we can push for europe. As much as I admire Carew, he is not clinical enough (remember JPA, same disease). Add a RB and there's enough at the back even if we sadly have to part with the Beard. Hoyte fits the profile, Wes Brown too. Cahill one for the future and should not be sold, please. Agree with PTP, but maybe Bentley not Milner.

Madirish

Is Bentley for sale?

tarzan

Everyone is for sale......at the right price!

Villain Of The North

Every player has their price. Every one.

KSarge1

If Manure or the Gooners are linked with Gabby at £15m then why can't we test Blackburn with a big cheque for their star turn? We know what Milner can do, Bentley could be even better IMO. Would sooner see a natural lefty on that side of the pitch as Ash would be dynamite on the right.

Madirish

By the way, not much mention of Rodney.

Madirish

come and help us out and give us a 1.5million for glen whelan he will do a good job for you

mick66owl

I've got a horrible feeling that this is going to be another last minute rush when the window comes to a close. and i think we might be disapointed! hope i'm wrong.

*Holte*End*Star*

Gudjonsen playing Gabby through on the floor...

redlorry

Sadly we all really know that Eiður's agent is circulating this rumour to stimulate the big guns.

redlorry

lets not get our hopes up we'll no doubt sign somebody poo.

weller77

I actually want Emile Heskey to replace Marlon Harewood.

KSarge1

Unfortunately I can't get excited about any new signings under O'Neil. Since his arival he's acquired (inc some on loan) 9 senior players which is 2 or 3 more than he's let go. In my opinion no more than 2 or possibly 3 of his acquisitions are good enough to grace a team looking to challenge consistently for Top4. So I wonder how long it is before some of his failures are moved on, starting with Petrov, Harewood and Knight. The best transfer news that Santa could treat us with is O'Neill "out" and Mourinho "in"! Forget about Randy Lerner wanting to make the stadium more "beautiful". Tell him to just give us a team that can play beautiful football so that we can look forward to winning something.

villacross

absolute idiot villacross, Petrov is now showing his class. Mr Knight has done a good job until Davies comes through. See the light from the dark, its a long process - we do not have the money ambramovic had to throw at the team! Get real you really need to sharpen up a bit - Judge MON at the END of NEXT season, fair enough if there is no improvement and we finish 9th then maybe we start looking elsewhere.

KSarge1

It's always nice to feel free to be able to respectfully express views on this site without abusing each other -well done KSarge1. I believe fans with your blind faith in O’Neill will be shown as idiots, sooner, rather than later. Let's get a modern-day manager with more flair and imagination rather than a "has-been" very much out of touch with the modern game! Even Sven and Redknapp are showing how to do it without spending 100’s of millions but you’ll all start to panic when we finish below Small Heath.

villacross

Personally I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. MON is not the messiah but he's doing OK. No manager has a 100% success rate with signings and its even harder if the club is not playing champions league. For every Ashley Young there might be a Reo-Coker. How many people on here who were going mental that he didn't sign Craig Gordon feel the same now he's been dropped by Sunderland?

redlorry

Who do you suggest we get as manager Villacoss?Cos I dont think we can do any better than MoN and Im delighted we still have him.If you think we could have got someone like Mourinho you're deluded.

Pking

Pking-difficult problem but the board should be actively looking for a young manager, probably in his mid-late 30's that has progressed from grass-roots in management, has always been succesful a every club he's managed, has got international and european "playing" experience and exudes confidence and charisma. He will get players to do things which they never thought was possible! Give such a man a five year contract and Lerner's full backing backing and finacial support - then you will see a difference rather than the present delusional O'Neill euphoria.

villacross

So villacross, you want a manager that just does not exist. How the hell is someone going to have achieved all that you require at such a young age, anyone with just the playing experience you want is going to be mid 30s and you want them to get meaningful managerial experience before they are 40. Get real!!

Villain Of The North

Hunt would be a smashing signing if we could get Reading to part with him

Pking

lassana diarra of arsenal would be a great signing,he wants away from arsenal due to lack of premier league games already.pure quality the lad is,can play rb,rm and cm.any time i have ever watched him he has thoroughly impressed me,he has everything.villa were meant to be close to signing him on last day of august window before the arsenal came in for him. UTV

Belfast Villain

giles barnes would be a quality signing too,versatile,young,fast,skilful and athletic.young on left and barnes on right would be frightening for any full back to defend against. UTV

Belfast Villain

Harewood linked out. What would we do if he went?! ;-p Not that much in the papers today, the gossip seems very short on the ground, maybe it'll pick up after Christmas. Must admit I always know the links are mostly rubbish but I do enjoy them. Sad git that I am.

The Fear

Folks, please remember to respect all points of view, you don't have to agree but there are very rarely any rights or wrongs in footie, just opinions. I don't think anyone who is a Villa fan is an idiot, they simply can't be can they, not with taste that good in football teams!

The Fear

Villacross, we should NEVER CONTEMPLATE finishing below Small Heath Alliance (Porno FC) and we didn't even with DO'L in charge. Keep the faith in the 5 year plan, the Cleveland Browns are improving too!

Madirish

Very diplomatic Mr Fear.

Gazvilla

Villain Of The North- I believe they do exist you've just got to be bold enough to back them.

villacross

villacross - name a few examples of such managers then. I honestly have no idea who you are referring to.

The Usual Suspect

Me neither. I was not meaning to criticise, I just think that your expectations are too unrealistic, not just for Villa but for anyone. To get good managerial experience takes a good 10 years. IMO that means any top player going into management won't be up to the required standard before about 45 unless his career is cut short by injury or such. If Shearer had gone straing into club management I'd think about hime in about 5 years or so. Top player with a will to win and a good footballing brain. But then he did not go straight into management and we are not 5 years forward in time. Is there anyone else that we can think of? If not let's stick with O'Neill, back him all the way until he proves he can't deliver what is required. Maybe by that time Magic Merse or the like will be ready to lead the mighty Villa to European glory once more.

Villain Of The North

Why are we griping about keep MON/sack MON again on a transfer thread?

Scot Dutch

I say bring in as many players as possible, bring in 10 and at least 2 will turn out to be good - take a leaf out of Sven's book!....

KSarge1

erm...MON is awesome and he will get it right on the transfer front this time

ric112

Im worried about the way Carew applauded the fans after the City game. It was like he was saying goodbye. Hope Im wrong.......

tylervilla

I'm just watching the Masters Home Nations on Sky Sports, and I reckon Keith Curle could do us a good job.

evoflash

according to the guardian today we have 15 million to spend on transfers in jan. anyone got an idea where this figure is from or just a pure guess.

villabikes29

I think that figure is a complete guess nobody knows except for MON and RL these guys are great at giving nothing away. In fact they may even have engineered that figure, keeps prices down.

KSarge1

The Scottish Sun today were linking Luke Moore for a move to Rangers FC.

Bud

pure guess on budget, lerner has said time and time again he has never set a budget for mon, if he wants to spend on a player the money is there.

Stig

i will like to make a deal with you lots. sidwell plus two million for agbonlahon. so what do you say.

kaybee

no way, jose...i mean...grant

Carlosio

Sidwell is possibly worth £5m - £7m, Gabby is worth more than double that. On your bike Kaybee

notthedougellisstand

agbonlahon?

Pking

Totally agree Pking, Chelsea are welcome to Agbonlahon (if we have such a player) but they can keep their sticky paws off Agbonlahor :oP

Villain Of The North

hehe, agbonlahon, excellent.

Carlosio

it dont matter who we sign as long as we get in to europe, the team are playing well, ok we need a right back or 2 and maybe cover for some of the positions but why do people want to change a winning team

claretandblue

Keep having a look round to see who's linked to us - nothing. surprised there's not many posts on this link as last year there were loads more than this. Possibly due to us, the fans, being a little happier and not panicky (yet). Got to remember that we still have the smallest squad in the Premiership and are in need of some players. Love to hear of some positive rumours though.....

Gazvilla

At last a link today - "Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Sevilla starlet José Ángel Crespo but will have to dig deep if they want to prise him away from the Andalucian club." Maybe someone else was bored and made it up.

pongo wearing

I really like the look of Dave Kitson, every time I see him play he never fails to impress.

mackaavfc

have the papers gone on strike, there are hardly any rumours or links at the moment!?? Maybe they'll start up next week when the window is open.

The Fear

You could be right macka, wikepedia says 117 appearances for Reading, 50 goals. Shame he is a ginge though! ;-))) 16 games this season with 8 goals.

The Fear

Spurs next for yous then, it's really a bad time to play us, we have improved massively under Juande Ramos and although our defence is s*** you must remember that you have to score more than us to beat us, but can you? Having said that a point will be nice.

OneAaronLennon

OAL, thought or should i say hoped you had disapeared up your own a,hole!!!

silkie villain

in fairness to him, that was a rational message. I think we have a stronger defence than these teams that you keep destroying, and but for your last couple of games, we've scored a similar number. We definitely have it in us to beat you, but i wouldn't be shouting that until after the game. Just don't revert to classic OAL.

Carlosio

I would like to add my signature to the buy Dave Kitson petition. Tall, strong, with a good eye for goal. I could see him as a great big man partner for gabby or at least being a big kick up the behind for Carew.

tylervilla

Would it not be more likely that Doyle would be the one to prise away from Reading. he doesn't seem to be a prolific as Kitson is currently but had a an excelent season last time around and I think is a better "all round" player, if we were to sign anyone from Reading Hunt would be the man for me, a real 100% terrier with a little creativity as well.....

fatloser

Hunt would be a great signing

Pking

I see Man U have approached Spuds for Defoe apparently, and are supposed to be interested in Boswinga. If so, what about Hutton! Still think Milner would be a good January signing as quality signing are either difficult to get or mega expensive.

Gazvilla

I read(on a dodgy site mind you) that the the Hutton deal was all but done in the summer only for the player to change his mind because of the champions League lure. The fee which makes it seem even more ludicrous was £7m!!!!!. As for Defoe, if Utd are interested what would make the player think he would get more first team action there than he currently gets at Spurz, even a move here would not guarantee him a first team place, but in his favour he would be an O'Neil signing.

fatloser

keep oif defoe - hes ours! HAPPY NEW YEAR

pompeycarpet

Well it's January, any new signings yet? :oD

Villain Of The North

unbelievable...can't believe we haven't signed a bloody player yet!

ric112

well done on today's win against the tiny totts. puts them in their place. good luck for the rest of the season!

G4L

Cant believe how little obsessing there is so far

Pking

Lack of expectation may be a great thing!

KSarge1

i also herd about darren bent an eiuder gudjohnsen gabby cant go laursen bin playin ace major problems transfer wise if u ask me

villa96

carew is 2 injury prone.all the other teams see his threat and try to get rid of him

villa96

"Porto have placed a price tag of 30million euros (£ 22 M) on defender Jose Bosingwa, who is rumoured to be a target of Manchester United and Aston Villa" Sounds way off the mark if you ask me...

delirium

Shall we all come back here on January 30th? Nothing much is going to happen until then anyway..

The Usual Suspect

We need Laursen to sign a contract more than we need a right back!

leelindsay

A cheeky bid for Aaron Lennon maybe? Was taken off shortly after H/T, we need a right winger and he fits into the MON ethos of young, English, pacey, black players!

bazzah

Good noises from the "The Colossus" about his new contract....sounds like it might be finalised after the ManU game....we can but hope. If that is the only signing we made in Jan it would still be awesome, but I really do hold out high hopes this time (but then again maybe i'm as deluded as the Spurs fans)....

YatesyVillain

Aaron Lennon is starting to look more and more like a one trick pony though bazzah.....far from impressive yesterday

YatesyVillain

Lennon is homesick for Leeds apparently, so a move to Villa may suit him I think MoN could get more out of him, but do agree that at the moment he is easy to mark out of the game. But then again, he is being coached at Spuds, what do you expect?

CLVilla

Your not deluded -'have you been on vital spud lately'? 30 mil on the right players and we could be dark horses for fourth spot.

chris the villan

I see Ashton is unhappy at Wham. Would be good cover for Carew. Was an excellent player on the verge of an England appearance before the injury. Liverpool are bidding for Bridge so that could free up Riise. Shorey wouldn't be a bad bet either.

Gazvilla

Ashton would be excellent but I really think that there will be very little movement in January (as always)! Most signings will be in the Summer - particularly to and from Premiership sides. I reckon O'Neill should spend his time on searching for a RB from somewhere in the world who has been thoroughly scouted. If they dont perform the way we hope and are not worldbeaters, well hey, Mellbergs doing well enough as it is!! The only way I think that we will make an English-based signing would be if we got Carson permanent which frees up a loan space for a player such as Hoyte or Sidwell (I would love Diarra but I think he will stay at Arsenal until the summer at least!). In the meantime I want to see O'Neill concentrate on getting Laursen and Mellberg to stay!! However, I think Mellberg will look a move to Italy,

deano.avfc

This might be naive but surely Laursen owes us a bit of loyalty after we've stuck with him through all his injury problems?

VillaYamYam

I see we're linked to Steadman of Leicester for 1 mill. Don't see him as a first choice RB but cover as he develops with us. Seems a logical move to me.

Gazvilla

MON on transfers + gossip

The Fear

Id love to see Crouch or Gudjohnson and Miguel from Valencia.Were being linked with a young striker from PSG.

Pking

Paris Saint Germain attacker Loris Arnaud has been approached by Aston Villa, Le Parisien revealed. The French striker is playing his first professional season at Parc des Princes and appears to improve every time he wears the capital club's shirt. The 20-year-old is a very promising talent who scored his first goal in 11 appearances this term. His contract is due to expire at the end of the current season and Arnaud has been offered a new deal. Manager Paul Le Guen has been impressed by the former Academy player and has opted to play him in the starting XI in place of legendary striker Pauleta a number of times in 2007. Villa boss Martin O’Neill has reportedly told his club to try and sign the youngster during this transfer window in order to secure his services for the next two and half years. Arnaud could leave Le Parc for Villa Park in 2008. PSG are near the relegation zone so a move or pre-contract deal with Villa might appeal.

pongo wearing

Just saw this on the skysports.com website: Eidur Gudjohnsen spotted at the Aston Villa match vs Tottenham sitting with his Dad ( agent ) with the news he's about to sign for Villa by Jan 3rd !

deano.avfc

Deano - I had a look. Are you being mischievious!!

Gazvilla

No its on sky.com but only the rumours page!! A bit like this I suppose - see for yourself: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12046_3014400,00.html

deano.avfc

I would love us to qualify for Europe with our British squad, and just a small sprinkling of scandinavian vikings, so more of the same MON

eltoro

I would like to see kevin doyle sign aswell as alan hutton from rangers. Giles barnes would also be a good signing

Beefy10

Remember this is January; we don’t need to build a squad to start a new, campaign we need to bring in the necessary players to ensure we complete this campaign and finish in a European spot. I am delighted with how its going so far and the fighting spirit the team is showing is remarkable, when spurs equalised I thought that was it, it’s going to be a draw, but the lads didn’t settle for it and pushed on and got the deserved winner. My point is we are on track at the moment. I think we all know at this early stage all these names flying around have to be taken with a pinch of salt. Eidur does excite me, we may have to pay a large wage but it’s important to look at the big picture, eider is a quality experienced player. He is more than just another name on the team sheet, he is a signal of our ambition and intentions, and will help attract more big name players. Of course whether or not he would sign for us is a different story. I don’t want us to sign 5 mediocre players, I would love us to sign a big name, show everyone that Villa have the manager and the money and have huge ambition and to do so without spending more than 15m is hard. As for Milner, if it was possible, that would be awesome to have him and Ashley. Crouch would be good I suppose but wouldn’t excite me to see his name on our team sheet; we have been down that route. It bugs me that Man City are talking about spending big to get to high places and we arnt, we have the money Randy made that clear, I trust MON’s judgment but we shouldn’t be afraid to see him spending 15m+ on big names. We have the ambition and a wonderful young team showing bags of potential, lets add some world class too it and make that step from a team pushing for Europe to a team expected to qualify for Europe.

mattyh1986

See Celtic got Hinkel - an attacking right-back who seems very very decentfrom Sevilla. £1.9m for a quality 25 year-old right back!! I hope we have someone lined-up!!! When I heard Boro had got Luke Young from Charlton in the Summer I thought - "well we need a RB more than anything and we didnt go for him so O'Neill must have someone lined-up"! Im thinking the same now - I just hope I am right this time!!!

deano.avfc

hutton would be a brilliant signing but its pretty clear that he his holding out for manyoo. Still worth a shot though! besides me must get the scandinavian duo on the contracts as i think this is more important than signing players at the moment!

Eaton_thevillafan

According to The Independent..... The future at Newcastle United of Obafemi Martins is once more in doubt with two Premier League clubs – Manchester City and Aston Villa – having this week made formal inquiries about the 23-year-old Nigeria striker who has endured a troubled season under manager Sam Allardyce.

glensider

would prefer james milner though glensider

claretandblue

why not both?

Eaton_thevillafan

Ain't martin's off to the African nation's, surly a summer bid would be better mind you he's not exactly prolific.

chris the villan

Man U game highlighted we definatly need sombody on the right and a striker whos up to the job cos luke moore certainly isnt.

mattyh1986

get martins in, get hutton, then go all out for milner!!!!!!

Stig

although, hoyte would still be a great buy, he always impresses and loves to attack and with his arsenal/wenger education he will be technically well rounded as a player.

Stig

Need a left back too. Shorey??

myleftfoot

35m for Berbatov - we may as well right off any signings with that benchmark of a price (for this window)!

tarzan

Jose Bosingwa - Too expensive Peter Crouch - scores goals but liverpool wont sell unless they buy Scott Carson - should be a definate, but unsure if it will happen Wayne Hennessey - not gonna be good enough Jermain Defoe - would of come if he was Wes Brown - maybe, but man u wont sell Giles Barnes - looks decent, if gonna get him act now John Arne Riise - great, reliable, unhappy, should give bouma chance tho Nicolae Dica - gulf in class of leagues will be too great Kyle Lafferty- championship class if that Steve Sidwell - simply not european pedigree Maurice Edu - who? tell me more?

harkcombr

Giles Barnes and John Riise on their to villa.

tarzansbrother

Along with Doyle from Reading. He will sign after our home game with them.

tarzansbrother

Sources please Tarzan's bro. I remember from the summer, you ain't got a 100% prediction rate amigo. Regarding your theories - OK, except I'm not sure about Barnes. Seems as though Man City have the same pull as a top 4 side at present. Maybe it's Sven or perhaps their wage structure.

Gazvilla

To be fair tarzans brother doesn't have a bad record on predictions, the three mentioned are the kind of distinct possibilities we would associate with Villa, not quite the next level really.

fatloser

Riise would be better than Bouma. Bouma can track back well and tackles alright but gives the ball away all the time, can't take anyone on at all and doesn't cross the ball well either.

The Usual Suspect

Cant agree with that Usual Suspect. Bouma has done very very well this season. Him and Riise would be excellent and it would mean Barry not dropping back to cover injuries etc.

tarzansbrother

January is hard to improve the squad. Consolidation is the key as a 7th place would be brilliant. The summer would then allow a more flexible approach. A RB and a few covering positions to bolster the squad now, anything else would be above expectation.

Gazvilla

januiarry...hard to improve squad? ashley young last year, pompey last year...if you want to improve, you can...look nwhat derbys doing already, look what west ham did the year before, look what we did the year before - we both brought in players to challenge for europe!

pompeycarpet

Tarzans... we are going to have to disagree on that. The problem with Bouma at LB and Melly at RB is neither can beat a man, woman or pony. They just can't take a soul on. Neither crosses very well either. IMO we need new full backs for both sides.

The Usual Suspect

I'd keep Mellberg for Cb though.

The Usual Suspect

THIS WAS ON A RUMOURS PAGE:I have heard from one of the coaching staff at Aston Villa that quite a lot of players will be arriving at the club. Giles Barnes ( £5 million ) – deal almost done. Justin Hoyte ( £2.5 million ) Peter Crouch ( £10 million ) Nicole Dica ( £5.5 million ) Michael Owen ( £10 million ) James Milner ( £6 million ) John Arne Riise ( £6.5 million ) Scott Carson ( £8.5 million ) Wayne Bridge ( £7 million ) Shaun Wright–Phillips ( £8.5 million ) Theo Walcott ( Loan ) If Owen or Crouch do not arrive, Martin O'Neil might bring In: Darren Bent ( £10 million ) Nicolas Anelka ( £13 million ) The players that will be leaving will be: Thomas Sorensen ( £1 million ) Marlon Harewood ( £2 million ) Luke Moore ( £3 million ) Osbourne ( Loan ) Gary Cahill ( Loan ) Also Martin Laursen, Olof Mellberg and WilFred Bouma will sign new contracts. Laursen and Bouma signing three year deals, while Mellberg will see out the rest of his career with Aston Villa by signing a five year contract.

KSarge1

wow, not being linked with many people there are you?!?!

pompeycarpet

As i said, rumours or maybe far too much playing of Football Manager 2007 by this person!

KSarge1

Ksarge, bloddy hell, are you tellin porkies there? thats a lot of players and a lot of money, its like a whole team there

krisvilla

We lack progressive full backs and a striker that can finish. But the players aren't available, aren't allowed to move or don't want to come to us. In terms of full backs; Riise's defending ability is questionable at best and have you seen his wage slip!! We perhaps should take a punt on a few foreign imports and/or some players from the lower leagues.

tarzan

Watching the FA cup over the weekend it seems clear that the lower leagues do have some quality. Got to be better than Man'ure or West aaam rejects like Djembax2 and Harewood.

Villan444

Have a good laugh today by looking on http://www.football-rumours.com/. Someone has left a rumour which lists about ten players that will be arriving in Jan - comes to about £70m so clearly not true. (see what I have done there if I say its not true I am tempting fate to make it happen!).

tylervilla

1) Does Martin want Defoe? 2) Would Spurs sell him to us? 3) Would they want as much as Carrick?

tarzan

Apparently Defoe is for sale. Now do we want him, and at what price? I've heard strong rumours about Doyle from Reading being shown around VP. What do people think about Doyle? He's not bad i think - doesn't make my heart flutter but he'd be good squad player - better than MH anyway.

The Usual Suspect

Celtic's goalkeeper, Boruc's new contract has apparently got a £10m release clause in it. Worth a punt instead of Carson?

CLVilla

Spuz are tight by nature and very rarely make a loss in transfer dealings, ( nothing to do with their Jewish following and ownership of course ;-D) so Defoe will cost a fortune. As our record fee is less than 10 mill would hate him to get that record as he would have to be the first name on the teamsheet etc. As he is a one trick pony we would have to effectively build our team around him to accomodate him. NOOOOOOOOOO. Not a team player. Not sure about Doyle but what about Lita. Could MON work his magic with him?

Villan444

Lita is Marlon Harewood MKII

KSarge1

taken from portogoal.net: Miguel future again brought into question Rumours are gathering pace that Valencia right-back Miguel could be on his way out of the troubled La Liga side. Newly appointed coach Ronald Koeman is carrying out something of a revolution at the Spanish club as he attempts to rebuild the team with his own men. An incident at a night-club last week involving Miguel and compatriot Manuel Fernandes, the latter of whom ended up spending a night in the local police cell, has only served to confirm that Miguel makes up part of Koeman’s list of “dispensables”. Valencia’s board have let it be known that they will listen to offers for the Portugal defender, which is likely to draw the attention of Aston Villa who tried to sign the player in the summer. Miguel has frequently said he would like to play in England and there is likely to be no shortage of takers for the classy defender.

Stig

http://www.portugoal.net/PortAbroad0708/PortugalTrioTransferNews.htm

Stig

Is he any good?

The Usual Suspect

Yer Miguel is quality, would be a great sigin. Really not sure about Defo Villan444 makes a good point. However i am a big fan of Kevin Doyle, hes young and looks very tallented, and has shown he can score goals at this level, he will only get better.

mattyh1986

Totally agree with The Usual Suspect about Bouma. He is hopeless going forward and his final ball is dreadful. New LB please MoN.

whyvilla

LB,RB,RW,Stiker.....sorted.

KSarge1

I was looking on the sky sports website the other a day and saw on one of the forums, although i cant remember which one, that we were set to sign both Doyle and Barnes tomorrow (wed 9th jan) doubt this is true but certainly goes with all the rumours, would be to great signings i think

Beefy10

Don't know how true this is but I heard that Doyle is coming but not until after the Reading game on Saturday.

notthedougellisstand

Agree KSarge, four players for those positions and a couple of squad players would be very pleasing

notthedougellisstand

Yeah but doyle isn't blessed with pace at all

villavillavilla

luckily pace is one thing we're not short of

The Usual Suspect

The only players available would be those as the basment of the premiership.

tarzan

i have heard lots of rumours that Doyle and Barnes were at Villa Park on friday and also that we are gonna get bosingwa at the end of the transfer window for 8 million

Beefy10

Another less reputable site is linking Chimbonda. He was quality at Wigan and is an International. Spuz have been playing him centre back which he has laughed at so could he be one of the full backs we need???

Villan444

I could play centre back and improve the spurs back line, my nan would probably improve it too!

KSarge1

I think Chimbonda would be a great signing. I don't understand why things have gone sour for him at Spurs. It is their CBs that have been the problem not Chimbonda. Get him in MON.

notthedougellisstand

Chimbonda's concentration can be lacking at times. There needs to be a few moves to kick start the crazy carousel!

tarzan

read comments on interview with a reading fan...get behind the Kitson meister!

tylervilla

Just been browsing another site which reports Defoe's missus is looking for property so they can set up home together around Stratford-On-Avon and within easy reach of Birmingham. Hmmmmm.......

Jon.H

I was told about a certain Liverpool player doing similar a month or so back, I do like these rumours. Best one I got was that Nobby was meeting Stride in a Hotel outside of Hull. Turned out to be true and he signed the day after! I didn't publish it in case we cocked anything up!!! lol

The Fear

which 'pool player Mr Fear, pray tell!!

The Usual Suspect

I remember that well Fear. Desperate days indeed. He turned out to be quite a good signing and he could play the trumpet. I can't see spurs selling us any of thier players to be honest.

tarzan

Is this the Riise thing again Fear? I heard he had put his house up for sale on Merseyside in preperation for a move, but it fell through,(the move, not the house).

Jon.H

no a certain tall striker Jon H !

The Fear

Yeah, liked Nobby until he did a strop and left to go back to Newcastle.

The Fear

How tall is Torres then? lol

Jon.H

Rodney! I'd have him back in a second. I think he's so underrated.

The Usual Suspect

It was that waster Kewell

tarzan

Chimbonda is great going forward but will definately cost us at the back with poor positioning and getting caught upfield, poor attitude too. Ramos wouldn't force him out if he was worth keeping. Dont bite MON.

redlorry

Top draw player! Cimbonda, defoe barnes and Diarra please! gosh! what a bit of business that would be! i believe Diarra to be a class player Chimbonda + Defoe are proven class! And i think Barnes will be a great player when he gets older remember HE IS THREE YEARS YOUNGER THAN YOUNG!

villavillavilla

We should bid for Hunt

Pking

Im hearing we have agreed a fee for Defoe. Personal terms are going to be the stumbling block tho but you never know. Looks like its him or Doyle from Reading as I understand a fee of £7.5m is in the offing after our game on Saturday.

tarzansbrother

tarzansbrother where have you heard this out of interest? defoe should come to villa as there is no real want from the top 4 and he has ruled out a move to boro? c,mon defoe ol brum aint that bad lol

Eaton_thevillafan

Bill Howell in the Evening Mail has said we are signing Hendrik Larrson on loan for the rest of the season, I heard the same thing on talksport last night!!!!! Thoughts?

Stig

That would be perfect, I like Henrik and he would be a nice make-shift forward until the summer. We will make Europe with him up front then we can go for some big names in the Summer. If you look up towards the top of these responses, I am sure i predicted this.

KSarge1

Jerbil Defoe here we come! And marvelous Marlon to Derby for £4m? Sounds good to me.

evoflash

Why do we have reporters sniffing around every ground in the country but tarzan's Bro gets in first with "fee agreed for Defoe". Personally I hope he's right, we need a greedy goalscorer and Europe is ours !!

PENFOLD17

January sales list: Defoe, Doyle , Barnes, Chimbonda, Carson sorted and Wayne Bridge. thanks Randy, that's all for now !!! PS Mind you, Henrik for nowt on loan would be a nice finishing touch in more ways than one.

PENFOLD17

Torres Jon.H Now wouldn't that just be fab!!!!!!!!! Not quite tall enough though for this rumour!

The Fear

Larrson probably would be a good signing - Carew will be out injured (again?) before the seasons out and he struggles to play for 60-70+mins - so Larrson would be a good signing short term... for anyone! Also if MON sells Laursen, fans with the defenders name on the back of their shirts would only have to change 2 letters. Henrik could even wear the No. 5 shirt? Or, Villa fans might get confused thinking Laursen is still at Villa but the shirt printers have got the shirt printed wrong (ala Betnley)....? Anyway, all this is coming from Baggie Bill - the journolist that predicted Villa would sign Wesley Sniedjer last summer!! He claims in his article that Larrson was seen in England earlier this week - Where exactly in England.... Carlisle?? England is a big place Bill...!

bazzah

Defoe will fit in well at vile park. You have that other sulky little dick why not another. Good luck with them 2 little poison dwarfs.

SHOE HAMMER

shoe hammer, are you getting jelous?

KSarge1

Thanks for that objective piece of journalism there SHOE HAMMER!

Jon.H

We can but dream, Fear, we can but dream!

Jon.H

I think MON is getting it right at villa park but Defoe is an absolute banker. And you already have one cry baby in Coker now Defoe god help you

SHOE HAMMER

God should have a capital G. And why are you bringing Mr McGrath into this?

evoflash

I think MON has inside info of a foreign player cap.

KSarge1

We'll take Sorensen of your hands if u like, but u ain't getting doyle...

uroyals

Judging by the comments MON made this afternoon it looks as if there could be good news about Laursen next week. Fingers crossed.

Jon.H

uroyals, huge so what!

Jon.H

Agree with Shoe Hammer's second comment, the dressing room will be like an evangelical mass with Hallelujahs etc. Defoe will be an easy recruit for Coker's attitude brigade.

Villan444

Just seen an article saying that Newcastle are interested in signing Laursen and are making a two million pound bid. TWO MILLION POUNDS!?! Surely Laursen is worth alot more than that. We really need to get his contract sorted out.

UpTheHolte

they can have laursen, but £2m for arguably one of the best defenders in the league is laughable, try £12m as a starting point - however i dont think you could put a price on him.

Stig

i think reo-coker has shown a fantastic attitude, and selling him will bite you in the a.rse eventually shoe homo. he continues to improve and put in another solid display today.

Stig

Larsson would be a better option than Defoe. But Martin doesn't like to change his team much.....

tarzan

Concidering he only has a few months left on his contract £2-3 million is probably about right. That said, even if he chooses not to renew I'd still rather have him for the rest of the season than £3 million. If we had him signed up on a long term contract I'd say starting bids of around £15 million but even then I'd still rather keep him.

Villain Of The North

nah u have to remember he's 30!

villavillavilla

I would rather have us sign no-one than lose Laursen. Out of interest who is our highest paid player. Im sure Baros was at around £40k per week - am I about right?? Is Carew on the same?? Either way I think Laursen could be worth being our highest paid player of all time!!

deano.avfc

I heard Barry was highest earner on 55k, then Carew, then Mellberg. I think Carew is on about 47k. I heard this from an auditor who worked with the guy who did the villa audit and really had to squeeze it out of him so i think its pretty accurate. You have to give Laursen similar to Carew at least because he'll have decent offers as a free transfer.

MOGVILLA

There seems to be quite a few sources linking Cahill with a move to Stan Drews (his team always lose). Surely this CAN NOT be allowed to happen?!?!

Adam Deuce

Any news on the grape vine today boys and girls? Let's get this thread bouncing along to the tune of the Salifou anthem! The Reading players looks a bit pants this weekend.

tarzan

How did Salifou look the other day when he came on? Whats everyone think about him, is he as good as some people have been making out?

mattyh1986

Only came on in the 90th minute, so can't really say!!!

The Fear

Didn't he go missing for thier goal?

tarzan

Just heard Sissoko may not be going to Juventus. I think that if we are REALLY going to push on and spend millions in the next year or two he would be great. We are joint 4th and have a great chance of moving for top players. If money were no object this January - Sissoko, Defoe, Barnes and Boswinga would be awesome!!! I also think Alves who looks like he is moving to Boro would be fanastic!! I also think that two bargain gems in Matty Taylor and Wayne Routledge at a combined £5m or so could be great for Villa. On another note - there has been talk of Paul Robinson on the move but I did not realise that it was for as little as £5-6m. Out of interest would you rather see Carson or Robinson as our number 1 next year??

deano.avfc

Liverpool or Spurs will not sell us their players. Why would they if we are threatening their position? I just can't see it myself.

tarzan

carson as no 1 next year. anything but robinson! Please MON sign some one! the links have dried up recently. tis not good!

Eaton_thevillafan

I am now beginning to think there will be no one coming in . Defoe linked to Portsmouth, Everton and Middlesboro today. We weren't mentioned

fatloser

Tell you the truth Eaton_thevillafan. paul robinson might be going through a bad patch, but he hasn't become a bad keeper overnight. I remember many of us being *****ed off that we missed his signing from Leeds when DOL tried but Doug wouldn't pay. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Not saying we shoudl go for him but he isn't as bad as we are all making out.

The Fear

Hmm true. its been a long way down though for him though. i just remember him flapping when we played spurs at white S-hit lane. Any way i think we should sign laursen first. bieng as he is our best bloody defender!

Eaton_thevillafan

Paul Robinson has become a bad keeper overnight, he's lost his England place and now he's lost his Spurs place, so he can't be doing much right.

weller77

So players become bad and don't just lose form? He'll never recover having lost his confidence following a few glaring mistakes? It will be interesting to watch, I get the feeling Enkleman never recovered from 'that' goal but David James has had his share of muck ups and he always bounced back and in my opinion is still the best keeper in the country and should still be Villa and England No1! Shows how few rumours there are and how little action when we are talking about other peoples goalies in the transfer thread! :o(

The Fear

True Mr Fear - this window has been dull so far. Not only for us but for everyone. Anelka's gone to Chelsea. Thats it.

The Usual Suspect

Please please please take Robinson off our hands. As bad as our defence is, it don't help when we have 'Robbo' making a major mistake every game. I'd bite your hands off if we get an offer of £6 million.

OneAaronLennon

We did all our business in the last week of the last jan window. It'll probably be the same this year.

weller77

As much as I would love to have Laursen at Spurs, especially at a price of £3 million, I'm not sure if Spurs can rely on 2 injury prone players leading the back line.

OneAaronLennon

Like a phoenix OAL has risen from the ashes. Really P*ssing me off now all this constant links to Spuz. They are trying to cling on to the Ideal that they have finished higher than us last year and that we are where they thought they should be. As we keep climbing, we will leave them well behind. No to Defoe, Double No to Robinson and the Laursen link is not worth commenting on.

Villan444

Doesn't anyone rate Manures O'Shea? I like him.

koolbill

O'Shea only ever gets 2 minutes at the end of a match and I think that he is another Phil Neville with no skill whatsoever, but his Dad is mates with Fergie so gets a game. (Even if its only injury time.)

Villan444

Well the Laursen link to Spurs gets more and more likely with everyday that goes by, it is vital for Villa to tie him to a new contract as he has arguably been your best player this season. Apparently he said he would consider a move to Spurs, just like Chimbonda said he would like a move to Villa. Chimbo out, Laursen in, I wouldn't mind that.

OneAaronLennon

Chimbonda - now there's a loyal fellow! Although Laursen said he'd consider Spurs he also said he'd consider the circus that is Newcastle! You are a long time admirer of Laursen OAL.

tarzan

Well I remember when he first signed for Villa from AC Milan me thinking 'How did they get him?' If he was less injury prone he would be recognised as one of the better defenders in the Premiership, up there with the best. A partnership of Ledley and Laursen could compete with the best from Europe, that is when they actually do play!!! Too much of a risk IMO.

OneAaronLennon

OAL - dream on. Do you only support your club during the transfer window? We don't hear from you otherwise...? Anyway, Laursen loves The Villa and seem's like he's signing a 3.5 year deal tomorrow.... ..... O'Shea - O'S h i t - no thanks! Today we've been link with Dorin Goian from Steaua Bucharest. He's 6ft 5in short and has a habbit of scoring (ala Lion Laursen). Anyone got any criac on this fellow? Could he be on his way with Nicolae Dica?

bazzah

Bazzah, I'm offended, what do you take me for? A Man U fan ;-)

OneAaronLennon

TBH I haven't been on here for the simple fact that Spurs have been s*** this season and Villa have been good, very good infact. After all mine and other Spurs fans big talk pre-season about breaking the 'Top Four' it is just a little embarrasing sitting in 12th place with probably the worst defence in the league. Having said that, free time is scarce 'pour moi' nowadays.

OneAaronLennon

This is what a report said about the possibility of Cahill leaving **All this at a time when reports in Romania are suggesting Villa are set to sign 6ft 5in, 17-times capped defender Dorin Goian, valued at around £5million, to replace Olof Mellberg, who will leave in the summer.**............ I also hear Sven complaining how difficult it is to sign players.

Gazvilla

I still say get in there for Matty Taylor. I understand Derby are keen on Gary Cahill, as much as I would hate to lose him I say use him in a swap deal for Barnes therefore exchanging one decent prospect for another and one who could fill a problem position for us thereby keeping Gabby upfront and then we wouldn't need to pursue the Defoe thing. Anyway I've heard a rumour that Defoe is looking at Pompey.

Jon.H

See, OAL, that is the difference between Villa and Spurs fans. Even when we were doing poorly we were still here, and on Vital Spurs, fighting our corner. People like yourself and Chalky have disappeared this season, just because you're not doing so well.

CLVilla

Time enough lads, time enough. He who takes the first bite pays the highest price. We all know Mr O'Neill is a canny business man (Shaun Maloney for £1m on deadline day for example). Bide your time, and wait another two weeks. It'll be Jan 29th, and things will start to happen.

evoflash

CLVilla, I think you will find that my appearances on either Vital Spurs or Vital Villa were very limited prior to the season starting, so please don't try and play that card on me. If I had the time I would get on here (Vital Spurs) as much as possible, but simply put I don't have the time. "People like yourself and Chalky have disappeared this season, just because you're not doing so well." I am actually quite offended by that comment, I don't hide when the going gets tough, I'm a Spurs fan, that's impossible!!! After years and years of massive disappointment I am still here backing Spurs.

OneAaronLennon

Sorry about the rant guys, but I took that comment to heart. Enough of me, who do you lot reckon you will sign this window? And how about Defoe for £8 million?

OneAaronLennon

Defoe for 8million - i would rip your arm off mate, as long as he leaves his london playboy attitude back in london. I think he would score bagfulls of goals for us and this would then lead to him being back in the england reckoning.

roehe

Come on roehe, it'd be hilarious to run into JD down broad street, classy guy that he is. Personally i'd see if we couldn't get him into the dirty indie clubs buried down the back alleys, see how he goes there. Ah, i can dream.

Carlosio

i wish all the yids would do one off our threads.

Stig

Defoe in snobs! lol

The Usual Suspect

Haha, my thoughts exactly. And with that haircut, oh the joy. (can't you tell that news is slow). Seriously though, what is that ridiculous thing on his head?

Carlosio

"TBH I haven't been on here for the simple fact that Spurs have been s*** this season and Villa have been good" -- so this statement is utter ********* then?

CLVilla

Mo-Hawk - its all the rage....Gallas has one!

KSarge1

Yeah, his is stupid too, but at least it isn't diagonal

Carlosio

If Barry gets injured, and Bouma who is playing LB now Halloran has gone? If Reo-Coker goes gets suspended and Barry is still injued - who is going to play in the centre of Midfield now Osbourne has gone? I get the feeling players may be on the way with these loans off...

KSarge1

One Aaron whatever....jog on. Its a villa forum for f's sake. Nobody really gives a sh i t e

tylervilla

Easy lads and lasses, OAL is exactely on here abusing us is he.

PBAVFC

OAL is ok. he was a bit of a tool at first but then he chilled out. He at least has some perspective - unlike so many spurs fans.

The Usual Suspect

He's an honorary Villa fan :-p

evoflash

Hehe, true evoflash. I wish people would stop saying "it's a villa forum", because i quite often go and join the discussion on other vital sites, so long as there's a contribution, people should be allowed to voice themselves on any of he vital sites. KSarge has to be right, otherwise we really might be in trouble.

Carlosio

Well Sporting lifde are reporting. today, that Defoe was at BMH for talks with O'Neill yesterday. I'll wait with baited breath.

Villain Of The North

he can get on his own site. Laursen signs! Wohoo!

tylervilla

has any one seen da news that owen was left scarred by keegan when he was england manager. maybe it is worth trying to sign him if this is true!

Beefy10

Rumours are rift that Defoe is up your neck of the woods having a medical... anything in it ?

Chix

People must've heard about Bolton's £1.5 million bid Mellberg. What a ridiculous ploy that is. If we needed the money then yes, but i can't see why selling him would be a good idea, we have a small squad and he is the closest thing we have to a right back. Can't see what Mr Megson is thinking personally, opinions?

Carlosio

Heard that Defoe has been at Body Moore this morning, possible medical or confused with Salifou? your choice!

KSarge1

Great news about Laursen! . Whats everyone think of defo? not good enough for spurs so we will take him off them?? or Ramos doesnt know what hes doin and he'll be an excellent aquisition?

mattyh1986

I'll take option c) Being held up by two other extremely good strikers because of his (understandable) level of patience.... and he'll be an very good acquisition. Saying he's not good enough for spurs isn't really fair, as it's an unusual situation to be in, and before the start of the season spurs ere valuing their strike force at about £100 million for the four. I think O'Neill will be a good thing for Defoe, and he's already a proven goalscorer.

Carlosio

Guys, the article comments are for all fans as long as it is banter and discussion, not abuse.

The Fear

A much neater comment than mine, Mr Fear, congratulations.

Carlosio

Matt Taylor has joined.....BOLTON???!?!?! _ _ WTF???? - - - - I honestly thought more of him.

evoflash

Agree Evoflash. I'm very surprised by that. I know he hasn't been getting a game at Pompey but he is a better player than that

notthedougellisstand

yeah, i'd have been very happy with us signing him but clearly we were never in for him. So hopefully MON has something better planned!

splatt

Vital Birmingham saying they have been given permission to talk to Cahill. http://www.birmingham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=96884

Adam Deuce

I think that Cahill leaving is more down to him rather than MON wanting to sell him. How can he get infront of Laursen,Davies and Melberg? but i rate him better than Knight!

KSarge1

Apparently Newcastle are interested in Defoe.

Gazvilla

Defoe has stated that he would only come to Villa and would not want to move to the NE of England - MiddleVilla, Newcastle. Why would Newcastle want him with Viduka and Owen and Martins?

KSarge1

I Would rather see Martins from newcastle at villa than selfish Defoe!!!

bellywipes

I rate Cahill very highly and will be disappointed if he goes. He needs regular first team football but with a Prem Club and not with a lower division club. Would therefore be better to put him with one of the bottom 3 Prem clubs for the rest of this season.

villacross

Expect Defoe to make his first appearance for us at Anfield next Monday.

villacross

bellywipes-selfish players score goals, which is exactly what we need right now!

villacross

We need to keep a clean sheet thanks.

evoflash

Where did you here that he would only move to villa??????? Kstarge1????????????

villavillavilla

cahills off then. the scum are in talks with him now. - He will be a blues player by the end of the week.

Eaton_thevillafan

Again it's beginning to look as though there's going to be a be a net outflow of players again. MON must be saving Lerner £millions, I wonder what bonus he's paying him?

villacross

Villacross - seriously hope that is not the case. Im begining to noice that some of our supposed transfer targets are now moving to other pemiership clubs (matty talyor and that norse chap hageland maybe heading to fulham). Im just wondering if defoe signs, will MON move onto other targets or will that be it. Can we last with out a reconised RB till the end of the season?

Eaton_thevillafan

Chimbonda (2mill), Gudjohnson (5mill), Defoe (8mill) and Henrik Laursen (loan) please! Reckon we could get all of them for £15 mill. What a starting 11 that will be...Carson, Chimbonda, Mellberg, Laursen, Barry, Gabby, Reo, Gudjohnson, Reo, Young, Defoe and Henrik...best 11 at villa park for years!! Do it MON, you know you want to!

In MON we trust!

Wud love to see Gudjohnson, if MON gets him ill run onto the picth and kiss him..MON not Eidur.

mattyh1986

villavillavilla

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