Tuesday's Aston Villa Press Talk & Rumours

This is a pretty obvious one but according to the Daily Star Aston Villa will make a £4.5million bid for Reading and England international left-back Nicky Shorey. We've been linked with him several times since Reading got relegated and with the awful injury to Dutch international Wilf Bouma, the need for another left-back is even more urgent.

The Sun have picked up on the story that Adidas were set to sponsor Gareth Barry to the tune of £500 000 but only if he moved to Liverpool as they provide the kits for the Anfield lot.

Other reports are saying that Barry could be hit hard by the tax man if he stays at Villa and has his testimonial as part of a new contract. Hogwash, Barry has already said he'd look at doing what Niall Quinn did and donate the proceeds to charity, I can't see fans turning up for a testimonial for any highly paid premiership player UNLESS it was for charity?

Sky Sports have a report on Morocco international left-back Badr El-Kaddouri claiming Villa want him. The 27-year-old who plays for Dynamo Kiev told skysports.com that there is interest from both Villa and Newcastle United. He said: 'There have been enquiries from Aston Villa since last year, however since Saturday, Aston Villa want me. They are an ambitious club, my agent is looking into it. He told me Newcastle have made enquiries about me and they are also willing to sign me.'

Setanta amongst others are linking us to Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red. Liverpool have also been linked. They claim the 23-year-old is 'flattered by the interest from clubs, both at home and abroad.' Another report says: 'According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Aston Villa have made a £9.4million offer for Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red. The Spain international has been offered a four-year contract, with Real coach Bernd Schuster yet to make a decision on his future.'

Spurs defender Younes Kaboul is still being linked with Villa along with Sunderland and Portsmouth.

Ex Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen is being linked with a move to Stoke. The free agent has also been linked to Middlesbrough and Galatasaray. He is currently with The Potters according to manager Pulis on Radio Stoke: 'Two or three clubs have been interested in Thomas but he is with us at the minute.'

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