Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: J P Fear 
Date:Monday August 18 2008
Time: 3:42PM
UK time is: 17:45:05
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The Villa Transfer Thread - Part 10
Thread nine on summer transfers, so over 3000 comments so far!
Not to mention 145 pages in the forum! Click Here
Well the doom and gloom seems to be lifting, seven signings and good ones at that! Martin O'Neill yesterday said after our 4-2 win over Man City that he was looking to bring more in. He really is spoiling us!
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 1
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 2
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 3
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 4
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 5
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 6
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 7
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 8
The Villa Summer Transfer Thread - Part 9
Once again, over to you Mr O'Neill !
IN -
Curtis Davies (from West Brom - £undisclosed)
Steve Sidwell (from Chelsea, £5.5m)
Brad Friedel (from Blackburn Rovers - undisclosed, in region of £2 - £2.5m)
Brad Guzan (from Chivas USA)
Nicky Shorey (from Reading, undisclosed but around £4m?)
Luke Young (from Boro, undisclosed but around £4.5 - £5m?)
Carlos Cuellar (Rangers - £7.8million)
James Milner (from Newcastle - around £10m?)
OUT -
Luke Moore (West Brom - £3.5million)
Olof Mellberg (Juventus - free)
Patrick Berger (Sparta Prague - free)
Thomas Sorensen (released)
Shaun Maloney (Celtic £1million)
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Your Comments
Is this the one where a WOW player will add the icing to the top of the cake? Michael Owen anyone? Or too injury prone?
The Fear
I totally agree, SWP, Del la Red or Joe Cole?
tarzan
i'd love to see owen at the villa. i'm convinced that laursen has stayed fit due to our state of the art training facilities. i'm also convinced that it assisted in davies coming back early. i'd also have a punt on SWP or Milner on the wing and offer 18-20m for Roque santa cruz. everyone is for sale at the right price. unless your rafa benitez...........
bobbyfett
MON has done us proud so far I'm sure he has an ace up his sleeve, he loves to surprise people. The regular to 2 seem to be RSC and milner I would be happy with that, I still feel I would like to see Downing in for competition on the left (if Ashley were to get injured and or if Barry goes)
johnmurphy3112
How about Alonso £12m ?
Stourbridge Villan
Still concerned abvout Barry leaving - I thought he would have come out and said he is staying now the season has started but no announcement yet! 'Pool will probably sign him days before we play them - Penant off to Blackburn, Vorinin off to Hamburg? They may raise enough to buy him... So we need a replacement in anyway!Need a right midfielder and striker still for me also.
AVGD
Joao Moutinho £15m ?
Stourbridge Villan
Thats my concern if Barry goes right at the end of the transfer window and we don't have time to replace him, if he still wants to go we should go all out to get Alonso. Barry did say he wanted it sorted by the first game of the season, so we should hear something either way very soon.
johnmurphy3112
AVGD - I don't think we'll here anything from Barry until 1st September. I think he will have learnt his lesson. It also keeps his options open either way. On the 1st September, if he's still with us, I expect a pledge of "I was always going to stay at the Villa (subtext - especially after Liverpool bought Robbie Keane and not me)" Blah Blah Blah!!!
fredchuff
Anyone seen the poll they are running on the LFC Vital site 'Who do you think will win the Premiership 2009 season?", guess whose got the most votes so far? Liverpool supporters have such blinkered vision!! Mind you Villa have got 32% of the votes! UTV
Mutley73
De la Red and Santa Cruz sound good to me, I think Joe Cole is out of it; he seemed to be Chelski's best player yesterday. Also, do we need a back up RB for a bit of competition if nothing else.
Obediah
SWP linked again according to newsnow. Took a while but it's back!
Gazvilla
Barry? I reckon he is going and I think MON does too. Why else has MON changed the shape of the team and played Barry in a front of midfield role. When he goes, that role is tailor made for Sidwell.
Gordonsleftboot
I think James Milner is the better player than SWP. Milner should be arriving at Villa Park before the end of August for a fee of about 10 Million. I would also expect a striker to arrive as well.
villa for ever
If nothing happens this week we'll know on saturday because I think he will play sidwell (if fit) and leave Barry sub if he still wants go. MON will play his long term first 11 whenever he can.
johnmurphy3112
i reckon its between SWP and Milner 4 our RW both will probably cost us 10 mill and i would much rather milner... in my opinion better crosser and defensively.. SWP is just fast in my book he has nothing else.. isnt it crazy we only paid 9.75 mil for ashley yet now players who honestly arent as good go for more...
i wonder if MON will buy a LW for our RW slot and convert him like ash.. if we could get another two footed player like ash with his left being his strongest would be great.. defenders wouldnt know if he was going to cut in and shoot or blaze past and cross...
aussie_villan
Has Ashley got a brother!!
johnmurphy3112
James Milner is more consistant than SWP. However on his day SWP is the better player. Over the season however may be JM & SWP are equal!
AVFC_WSM
£10m for Milner is too much
Gordonsleftboot
Its a lot of money but I feel its the going rate, he's young, talented, u21 international and more importantly still wanted by his current club (as with Barry).
johnmurphy3112
On newsnow.....The Reds have been left frustrated with their attempts to sign Gareth Barry this summer, with the England international now set to remain at Aston Villa.
Rafael Benitez remains eager to make another signing before the transfer deadline, and reports suggest he has turned his attentions to Blaszczykowski.
The Polish international is currently playing his football in Germany for Borussia Dortmund who rate him at £8million, which is well within the budget of the Anfield club.
johnmurphy3112
Gordonsleftboot: There's a lot of things in life I think are too expensive. Unfortunately if you don't pay the money you don't get.
Villa are going to need to spend some serious cash to be level with the top 4. (exception - seriously punching above our weight!!!)
AVFC_WSM
I would have to take SWP over milner.£10 million is alot for milner as he wasnt even a first team regular when keegan came in.SWP would get more goals and probbably create more.Id like to see routledge get a chance on the right as his looked lively when he gets brought on.Downing was a good shout he would give us another option on the left.
Mr A Villa
Gordonsleftboot: Another thing to consider is the players villa need to move on are the better players at there current club. Therefore villa will need to pay the market value and then some to force a sale.... In reverse consider Barry!
AVFC_WSM
Seems there has been a change in the deadline of the transfer window, the window will close on 1st September instead of the 31st August, don't no what difference it will make though!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7568921.stm
JOHN.CAREWS.CREW
I think 8 Million is about the right price for James Milner. It is a lot of money but we did around the same amount for Ashley Young, and he has turned out to be a fantastic buy, and could now be rated at around 15 - 18 Million. Milner will turn out the same under the guidance of Martin O'Neil. PUT THE BID IN MARTIN.
villa for ever
Milner was very poor againt Manure and gave the ball away an awful lot!!!! Jonas Gutteriez was really good, but left sided. I would go for SWP or Joaquin @ Valencia!!!!
erv2005
£8m is the most i would pay for Milner, but with our impressive start and the chance to get another important place in the squad filled I would push the boat out. Doyle for £6m would be a great last signing for us awell.
tarzansbrother
10 million for milner is alot. I think SWP would suit us more his speed would suit our play, but must admit he is abit hot and cold sometimes and thats where milner i think would be constant which he was when he played for us on loan. Its a big decision to make and whoever MON buys A the fans will support him and B i'm sure it will be the best for VILLA.
pksandell
Blackburn have made a bid for Joaquin, on skysports.com.
johnmurphy3112
I would love to see Joaquin play for Villa. Brillant player! He's definitely worth the £ 9.5M Blackburn are thought to have bid.
delirium
We clearly need someone who can go past players on the right hand side and deliver Ashley Young standard crosses. I think both Milner and SWP can do this with SWP having the edge in this respect. However, I thought we looked a little shaky defensively at times vs City. Does this tip the balance in favour of Milner rather than SWP? We also have Routledge in the SWP tricky winger mould, right?
Cropley
I still reckon Barry will leave too but MON will not let it happen on the last day of the window or anything like that. He would never accept a bid without a replacement lined up. SWP would excel in a squad like Villa. He isn't meant for Chelsea's style of play to be honest.
los_angeles_villan
@ JohnMurphy3112 - I believe Ashley's little brother Lewis is just breaking into the first team at Watford.
DoLpHiNaToR
stories persist about the Barry thing and i'm with you l/a villan, he just may go, and i am sure MON is aware of what is going down. SWP is a good call but apparently Real have said Chelsea cannot have Robinho, which leaves the SWP situation a bit so-so. where's De La Red?
leftfoot
If he does go Michael Johnson looked decent for a young lad on Sunday.
johnmurphy3112
johnm - except the part where he cheated and blatantly dived to win a penalty, yeah he looked ok
The Usual Suspect
Ha haTarzan it seemed that u really believed that J.Cole rumour!It will never happen!Neither SWP
Saimon_blues
Not really bothered if we sign the pigmy or mr step over. There's better value and quality out there that's for sure.
tarzan
The Doyle rumour is getting stronger, he's ok but if I'm honest I was hoping for a big name to come in, I know, thats not MON's way!
johnmurphy3112
Stephen Appiah on a free agent would be good as well...competition for places for the likes of Reo Coker and Petrov...
delirium
Don't know about Doyle....has he any pace, does he shoot from o/s the box? What are his strengths and weknesses?
koolbill
i dont see doyle a a realistic target and would be both supprised and diserpointed if he joins the villa
Runtingz
Well done Mr O'Neill. I think we're nearly there.
evoflash
All quiet on the rumour front...
Villa4Europe
Doyle look quality two seasons ago. I was really impressed with him when we beat them 2-1 that year. He seems to stuggle to hit a barn door from 10 paces at the moment though!
AVGD
SWP and Ashton in and we'll be well and truly sorted! Whoever doubted Ashton only have to look at his 2 goals on Sat (ignore the part where he got injured taking a rubbish free kick!) to realise he's a class act. Him and Gabby would be leathal together.
In MON we trust!
Sorry In MON we trust! I still dislike Ashton would be very disappointed if he came to us, I'd prefer Doyle and that's saying alot, we need to aim a lot higher I cant see anyone other than RSC, he is ideal for us. Ashton is really injury prone we need reliability.
johnmurphy3112
No chance of getting RSC. 1) Blackburn are desperate not to sell. 2) Man City have already had a £13mill bid rejected and we wouldn't pay even that, let alone above that figure 3) Man U are sniffing around. Unfortunately, I can see Doyle coming and I don't think he any better than we already have.
In MON we trust!
friedel or reina? friedel. laursen or carragher? laursen. cuellar/davies or hyppia/agger? cuellar/davies. bouma or arbeloa? bouma. l young or finnan? l young. a young or babel? a young. gerrard or reo-coker...ok i will give them that one. barry or alonso? barry. torres or gabby? ok...fair play. carew or kuyt? carew. they can have keane and mascherano too, but buy a couple more decent players, and why the **** would anyone doubt villa's chances of 4th??? we have a cracking team. UTV!
ric112
ric112 - I like your style! MON the point has been made and proven - 2 more class players and we will be there. UTV
26.05.82
Oh - by the way boys - cracking atmosphere at VP on Sunday, it's good to be back with a few goals!
26.05.82
Benni McCarthy. Still quality and not exactly in BB's good books, worth a shout at 8m.
koolbill
Although I like the optimism Ric112. Reina is a better keeper than Friedel, despite Friedel being a massive improvement for us. Mascherano, Gerrard and Alonso are one the best midfield three in the country. I would love to see us finish above Liverpool and take a place in the top four and do believe it to be possible. However, I think you are showing a little Claret and Blue bias with those comparisons.
notthedougellisstand
I still think we should go for Doyle and Hunt from Reading.Was at VP for the first time ever on Sunday and what a day it was.
Pking
Haha a little claret and blue bias indeed ric112! I'd have to say that Carragher and Agger are top defenders who would step into the Villa side in my opinion. Laursen is awesome though, and I'm looking forward to seeing Cuellar play, but until then I'll reserve judgement.
Villa4Europe
Come on notthedougellisstand and Villa4Europe - put your claret & blue tinted glasses on - no one wearing them could possibly see any bias! I can't!
26.05.82
* claret & blue
26.05.82
what's happening with this site - * claret and blue!
26.05.82
joaquin is quality! lets go for it, also he can talk to cuellar. carragher is a cheating little bitch who gets let off penalties (he plays in the top 4 so its alright) and who quit the england team essentially cos he was 3rd choice behind two of the worlds great (current) defenders and didn't like playing fullback...awwwww
NorthcliffeBandit
much prefer laursen or davies!!! agger is good though
NorthcliffeBandit
Pking - you want Doyle and Hunt. That will make it 4 former Reading players at Villa with Shorey and Sidwell. We will soon have a whole team full former Reading players. In the transfer market, what is with the sudden interest in Reading.
villa for ever
Reading had a really tight tenatious unit two seasons back,when Sidwell left and wasnt really replaced that unit fell apart.We would have been delighted to have gotten someone like Doyle this time last lear I dont think he's now suddenly a bad player.When Doyle and Hunt play for Ireland they stand out as exciting prospects (I know thats not difficult) under MoN they would flourish.
Pking
Theyre also gettable.
Pking
We can all speculate and gauge one player against another, which team they came from priviously or even before that, and gauge them against the team they once played for. But MON is a motivational genius, his managerial career is littered with so called has beens, average players and dare I say no hopers. But MON has this ability to turn an average/ no hopers into good if not great players. He is a chip off the old Clougie block. He too could take the same type of player and mould them into the player he wanted. MON is doing the same. You've heard the saying silk purse out of pigs ear, polish a turd etc. Well MON is the man to do it.
gappy65
If another Reading player why not Lita?
AussieVilla
'cause he's crap!!
happyvillan
lol my thoughts exactly
The Usual Suspect
We need a bigger name now in my opinion - the icing on the cake if you like. Saviola, DLR, RSC. There will still be movement in the market if United sign Berbatov and Liverpool raise the funds to but Barry. It's obvious to me that they will make a last ditch offer before January.
tarzan
YES. There is some exciting news in the Birmingham Mail today regarding transfer news for ASTON VILLA. This is what the paper says, Randy Lerner has set aside 25 Million for a double swoop. Sources indicate Martin O'Neil will push the boat out for Roque Santa Cruz.
It also says Martin will turn to Kevin Doyle if he fails to get Santa Cruz.
The paper also goes on to say that O'Neil is prime position to capture James Milner for around 9 Million, although he has not given up hope of persuading Chelsea to part with Joe Cole.
The paper also states that Martin is on the lookout for backup for our full backs and says that Celtics Lee Naylor is a target, and will be available for a Nominal fee.
The paper is written by our man at Villa - Bill Howell.
villa for ever
Don't believe anything written by Bill Howell.
Hoss The Villain
Well, the Express and Star is saying nearly the exact same thing as the Birmingham Mail, except the Birmingham Mail is saying it is a double swoop, while the E&S state we are lining up three players. The players are the same as well. Santa Cruz, Kevin Doyle, James Milner, Joe Cole and Lee Naylor.
villa for ever
Sorry, made a mistake, meant to say E&S (Express and Star) in third line.
villa for ever
Seems to be a problem once i submit, you know what i meant to say.
villa for ever
Benni McCarthy? Milner? Sorted.
koolbill
There is a website called Goal.com, and it is saying that Martin O'Neil has upped his interest in Joe Cole. It says that Martin O'Neil believes that Chelsea may be willing to sell as they have got to many midfielders.
villa for ever
Harper is a good Reading player aswell.We have no chance of signing Joe Cole.
Pking
I now think we should go for SWP...thje only reason being is that we have a tendency to let Ash do a lot of work to go past people on the left and are very basic with that tactic...having two tricky wingers would stretch other teams and allow Siddders and Petrov to start threading balls through to Gabby and co...I love Milner but feel he can't go past people as well as SWP....I may change my mind but this is my opinion for now.
koolbill
koolbill - Not to sure about Benni McCarthy, but i would certainly have James Milner. We have been linked with him ever since he got recalled back to Newcastle 2 years ago. If we don't get him this summer, we are only going to be linked with him again next summer. Surely the deal is all but done.
villa for ever
villa for ever I agree about Benny Mac not good enough, and I also agree with koolbill, if Chelski have too many Midfielfers its SWP that will go before Cole, so we should make efforts to bring him in, I like Milner but SWP is a much better attacking option.
johnmurphy3112
SWP would bust the pay structure, I also think he's "comfortable" at Chelsea and will stay as long as they carry on paying him. Milner is therefore the only realistic prospect for this season and would be an excellent addition. Santa Cruz or someone of his calibre would be great. I also think O'Neill will only sign Doyle as a last resort.
villacross
If we really are in for Roque Santa Cruz, i can not see this deal been done quickly, the deal will probably go down to the last couple of days, at a fee that i think will be 18 Million. If we do not get Cruz, i don't think we should go in for Kevin Doyle as IMO, i can not see how he can strengthen the squad. Doyle would only be an AVERAGE signing.
I agree with villacross that SWP would bust the pay structure although he would be a good signing but James Milner has always been my first choice on the right of midfield and i agree without a doubt that he will be a excellent signing. I am just really hoping that the Milner deal happens, he belongs with Aston Villa. For the kind of money that we can now splash out, surely Keegan and Mike Ashley can't resist. IMO James Milner is a done deal.
villa for ever
England were a ***** poor excuse for a national team! What did shrek or defoe do that forced agbonlahor out??? And what were beckham and bentley doing there? Neither got the assists Ashley Young did last year (ergo his delivery must be at least as good as thiers) and neither can run at defenders like he does either!!!! It boggles my mind, it truly does. Furthermore shouldn't England games be on the bloody BBC?...............AARRGHHHH
NorthcliffeBandit
I don't think SWP would bust the wage structure. He may have to take a cut, but that would be countered by signing on fees. He is not going to be in massive demand by big clubs and Chelsea might be looking to cash in on a fringe player. Think I would prefer Milner though. He has something more to his game. Think it boils down to intelligence. It is ok to have lots of pace in your side, but you also need that clever player to be able to make things happen.
ThirtyOne
you gotta ask which of SWP and Milner shows the most consistency, and for me Milner justs shades SWP, although not by a lot. this is most probably due to Milner having much more playing time over the past seasons. and like you say 31, intelligence is an asset, and Milner perhaps possesses more. But! given more playing time SWP will get smarter. so i am right on the fence basically.
leftfoot
sod it lets get both then
scoops
It's all gone very quiet!
MattUTV
Thats a good sign, it means things are happening?
Eircol
I wait in hope then Eircol, fingers and toes all crossed!
MattUTV
Haven't you got any more 'insider' information for us? I need a hit!!! (a transfer rumour hit that is before people ask)
MattUTV
The Zigic rumour has surfaced again, Villa and Blackburn are after him on loan, I think we can let Ince have him and we'll take RSC. that'll do nicely.
johnmurphy3112
The Three Supposed Targets Of Martin O'Neil: Santa Cruz, James Milner and Lee Naylor. That is what the AVFC Blog is saying. I think Santa Cruz will be hard to get, James Milner should be a done deal, and i think Lee Naylor will arrive in a swap deal involving Maloney although i think we should get the 1 Million back as well as Naylor.
villa for ever
Sky Sports News have read out the papers and they are saying Villa will move for Chelsea's Joe Cole but only if they fail to sign Newcastle's James Milner. So it seems James Milner is ahead of Joe Cole.
villa for ever
i just can not see Joe Cole coming to us! Obviously i'd love to be wrong though.
MattUTV
According to the Express and Star Martin O'Neil believes Ashley Young is so valuable he could now be a 30 Million player. O'Neil admits he could now be worth three times what Villa paid for him.
villa for ever
16mil for santa... not sure about that.. think the money could be spent better elsewhere.. Schweinsteiger or podolski would probably be available for that sort of cash... think one of those would be better younger and both class..
aussie_villan
Bring back Savo.
evoflash
Just back from hols and have been delighted to here of the signings and the decent wins. We still need strengthening but i trust MON has a few cards up his sleeve!!!
bellywipes
i'd like to say at this point that following some undeniably dissapointing transfer windows i was far from opitimistic during the early stages of this window. I thought we were dragging our heels and was concerened that the summer would be another huge let down. I WAS VERY WRONG!! There is still work to be done at Right Mid and up front but i am absolutely delighted with what MON has done this summer. We've gone from having the skeleton of a team to having an extremely strong side and i'm absolutely buzzing about it. MON, i should have never doubted your abilities in the market........UP THE VILLA
UTV
maloney goes?......Shaun Maloney will be paraded as a Celtic player tomorrow after agreeing terms on his return to Parkhead on a four-year deal from Aston Villa.
The Scotland international, who will cost £1m and earn £20,000 a week, moved to the Midlands from Celtic in January 2007 but failed to settle and has harboured aspirations of a return to Glasgow for a number of months. Rangers had earlier expressed an interest in Maloney, but he made it clear he was unwilling to join Walter Smith's side while Sunderland were also unable to coax Maloney to remain in England. The striker, who can also operate on the left side of midfield, has lost his place in George Burley's Scotland squad after falling out of first-team matters under Martin O'Neill at Villa Park.
Maloney, whose move was sealed after talks with the Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell in Glasgow today, becomes Gordon Strachan's fourth acquisition of the summer after the arrivals of Paddy McCourt, Marc Crosas and Glenn Loovens.
Evander Sno has been allowed to leave the club, though, with the Dutchman today securing a surprise move to Ajax.
Sno, a former product of the Ajax youth system, joined Celtic from Feyenoord two years ago. He will now renew an acquaintance with Marco van Basten, the Ajax manager who selected Sno during his tenure with the Dutch national team.
villain76
well that was news to me...how many players do we need now?...
villain76
oops its written below in another article, i'll go back to bed.
villain76
I think Roque Santa Cruz and James Milner will be the final people to come in for August, then i think will buy some backups when January arrives.
villa for ever
BREAKING NEWS - Sky Sports News says that Shaun Maloney is currently at Celtic Park discussing terms. So looks like he is on his way. Good Luck to him. This is 100% true.
villa for ever
Wenger interested in Barry.......Barry/Walcott swap anyone????
bentonm
Naylor would be reasonable cover for Shorey. I'd love Finnan as he can play both sides but i doubt Rafa will deal with us now. Good luck to little Shaun, had the ability but was always going to struggle with the physicality, made Young look like Mr T. Will never forget his awesome tackle on Milner in our own box last season though.
MOGVILLA
2 thoughts: 1. villa would beat england. 2. can people stop courting our players in public. arsene name dropping barry is frankly out of order. he is already unsettled enough. now he is on the verge of staying, wenger comes along and says he might want to sign him - hinting that the price would have to be dropped. They don't get it do they? we are not a selling club. we will not lower our price. smeg off.
ric112
have to agree there ric112
Pking
Barry/Walcott i second that, and would be hell happy with Milner and RSC the final signings. If not milner maybe SWP, if anyone from chelsea, no way theyll let Cole go
AussieVilla
If Ars-sen wants Barry then Walcott exchange would do nicely or hold out for full 18mil. Walcott is top drawer and at a good age. Not sure he would want to come to B6 tho!
ric112, let MON name drop and us put in a bid for Walcott or Van Persie and see if he likes it up the arsene.
holte ender 1969
That wont happen because MON has morals, respect and integrity.
johnmurphy3112
Maloney has completed his move back to Celtic for £2.5 on the OS. Thats a great deal £1.5 mill profit.
Randy-Villain3293
Hi all, just got back off holidays and obviously dying for my footy fix, I havent heard anything really since I was away except the score of the City game. If anyon could update me of the happenings I would grateful also how we played on Sunday? I see Maloney has finally got to go back home...I did think we would be having another 1 or 2 in by the time i got back! Rubbish!
Tez86
Like Walcott though jm3112! Anyway, now Maloney has his wish and move back to parkhead, maybe a move for RSC & Milner can happen.
holte ender 1969
Apparently Paul Ince has told Setanta News that RSC is going nowhere. Think it would be hard to get Balckburn part with Roque as two of their best players have alreasy left (Friedel and Bentley), however you never no, a bid of £16+ could just tempt Rovers into accepting.
JOHN.CAREWS.CREW
RSC aint coming Doyle is! What's he like?
tarzan
I don't want Doyle. Very average striker.
UTV
I live close to Reading and know a few Reading fans, the general opinion is he's an intelligent sharp player, but he won't add anything to Villa. A squad player then - not what I was hoping for, come on MON - RSC and Milner please - Joe Cole as well (I know that's greedy!)
26.05.82
GOOD NEWS - I just had a look at Newcastle's Official Site and there is some news on James Milner today (22nd). It says Keegan has told Villa Milner is not for sale, but Aston Villa refuse to take NO for an answer and reports suggest that a deal could go through now that Shaun Maloney has rejoined Celtic. The Newcastle website goes on to say that ' Martin O'Neil has not ruled out a bid for Milner before the end of the transfer window, and we (Newcastle) expect a bid of around 9 Million which Mike Ashley allegedly said was the asking price back in July. '
All of this is written on Newcastle's Official Site, so it must be true that we are in for him and the verge of signing James Milner.
villa for ever
Sorry it was not Newcastle's Official Site, it was a website called NewcastleUnited-mad.co.uk
villa for ever
BREAKING NEWS - Sky Sports News have just said that Roque Santa Cruz has signed a new four-year deal with Blackburn. So i guess he is no longer a target for us. I would say that the target now is Kevin Doyle.
villa for ever
RSC signed a new Blackburn deal, ahh well was good while the rumours lasted.
Randy-Villain3293
Gutted - not Doyle please MON aim higher, please.
26.05.82
oops too slow there. I think MON is focusing on Doyle and Milner now. When asked at today's press conference about Milner, if he wasn't targeting him surely hed have rejected the rumour but only said he doesnt have to answer the question
Randy-Villain3293
....Benni McCarthy not happy at BB....he's still very good and would add to the quality and take some pressure off Carew too. Knows where the goal is. Okay so he's not the next level but he's certainly not a drop down and he's proven.
koolbill
...Is Doyle better than Harewood? I want SWP still, just that one percent in his favour because he can go past players.....however looking forward Milner is so young it's untrue and he may be the better long term option with considerably more match fitness and would revel in not being the only outlet as he is at Newcastle....Is Dunn past it nowadays? He's almost never mentioned in the press.
koolbill
Roque santa cruz, i salute you sir for sticking with Blackburn. Right winger need's sorting first.
chris the villan
Doyle Really is he the forward we need, come on MON, we can do better than that. Only time will tell when Milner signs!
pksandell
According to the Daily Mail - Kevin Keegan will tell Newcastle's powerbrokers on Wednesday that he must be allowed to keep both striker Micheal Owen and Aston Villa target James Milner.
The manager will meet, in London, owner Mike Ashley, managing director Derek Llambias and Newcastle's recruitment staff, led by Dennis Wise.
villa for ever
BREAKING NEWS - Stan Collymore said on his radio show that his sources are telling him that Barry is about to commit his future to Villa...
simonbigron
Milner aint coming. SWP will be confirmed for £10m once Chelski sign Robinho. Doyle should complete our signings for this window for £7m.
tarzansbrother
tarzansbrother - SWP is NOT coming, James Milner is the one who will be arriving. Also, NO WAY is Kevin Doyle worth 7 Million, around 4.5 is what we should pay.
villa for ever
well no link but i think it may be good news for villa now that madrid have said they will let robinho leave for chelsea, maybe we can get SWP or we can dream of cole you never know..... MON works in mystreious ways
1982benny
what i like about RSC signing a new deal with blackburn is that it shows player loyalty to a club that purchased him as a severely injury prone unwanted striker. nice in todays footballing world.
leftfoot
I know i'm being optimistic, but i'm clinging to any sign of hope that we might be able to bag Joe Cole.....that would just be the sprinkles on the sweeties on top of the icing of the cake.....
YatesyVillain
Doyle, no thanks! Give us a special top quality signing that is proven quality and pay the price. We now have enough squad players and that is all Doyle is. Are there any foreign striker links anywhere?
holte ender 1969
Agree with ya there holte ender. There's gotta be better options than Doyle. I'd take Harewood over Doyle anyday. Heart goes along way.
los_angeles_villan
Well that puts the RSC rumours to bed once and for all, signed a 4 year deal.
col8
Good call LA villan, Harewood's heart (and forehead) is bigger than all the mentioned strikers and we surely don't want another Reading man to take us to the next level. SWP won't leave London, he has had so many chances for first team football with transfers but his backside is superglued to the bench.
Villan444
A fit and healthy Damian Duff?
koolbill
I would not want Duff, the best midfielder in the whole of the Newcastle team, i would say,is James Milner, why do you think we are on the verge of signing him.
villa for ever
V4E, was that last bit rhetorical? If not, I have no clue who we are going to sign. Would like Milner, would have Duff on form and fit. Would prefer McCarthy over Doyle if only for a season or so and would have SWP...can't doubt the boys ability to go past people but his edn product can be poor and I seriously question his hunger given that he actually ignores daddy Wrighty over moving and playing 20 plus a season. Not usre if i actually want his blingness here now after saying that...Milner please!!!! Bent please!!!!
koolbill
Well that was just appalling
Randy-Villain3293
Stoke are f***ing lucky, right in the last couple of seconds. Not watching match of the day tonight. Can not believe we have lost this.
Message for you Stoke fans don't let it all go to your heads because WAIT UNTIL YOU COME TO VILLA PARK. PAY BACK. YOU ARE GOING TO GET BATTERED. ENJOY YOUR VICTORY WHILE IT LASTS.
villa for ever
Down to earth with a big bump......we're still not as good as we think we are. Last season lost to sunderland, wigan, fulham etc. we've conceded 5 goals in 2 games, 3 against a team that is expected to get relegated. very disappointed.
johnmurphy3112
I went and fell asleep on a high of expectation and woke upto this score....what the **** ? ?
koolbill
This site Vitalfootball.co.uk is saying that Newcastle are lining up a 12 Million move for Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda. Maybe by Newcastle getting him it will pave the way for us to get James Milner. Maybe Malouda is the replacement for Milner. Also for all those who say SWP should come to us, if Malouda does end up leaving, Chelsea would not want to let SWP leave as well.
villa for ever
The SUNDAY MERCURY is saying that Martin O'Neil will have to play the waiting game for James Milner. It says that Martin O'Neil will have to wait until Wednesday to see whether Newcastle will give in to his pursuit of James Milner. Keegan will hold a meeting with the Magpies board this week, with the issue of a contract for Owen. Milner's role at the club will also be discussed which will leave Villa waiting in the wings for the outcome of those discussions. The Sunday Mercury goes on to say that Villa have already had a 9 Million bid rejected for their top target but are refusing to give up on Milner who has remained in Martin O'Neil's sights ever since he arrived in the West Midlands. It says Keegan is keen to keep hold of the midfielder, but may be unable to stop his board turning down a big money offer from Villa.
So it looks like that we have to wait until Wednesday to see if we can get James Milner. Fingers Crossed.
villa for ever
The meeting that Newcastle will be having on Wednesday IS TRUE as this was confirmed on SKY SPORTS NEWS.
villa for ever
Milner would sort out our right side but who is our top striker target if any? Surely we are more serious this season than last so why have we not bid for a top striker who can bag us the 20+ we need. Dont get me wrong JC is great but he cant do it on his own and needs a sniffer next to him. Someone in the R Keane mould me thinks. UTV
holte ender 1969
Its easier said than done I don't know anyone who is available that is any good, maybe if United get Berbatov we should go for Saha?
johnmurphy3112
According to reports SWP has signed for Everton. I would've preferred him to Milner. Don't know whether it's true but Scolari's said that he wouldn't mind losing him, if it's rubbish why not go for him ?
Randy-Villain3293
Palacios is only 16 mil and quality, see if we can do a part exchange including Reo-Coker.
Villan444
As stated i think Palacios is mustard but not 16m mustard...i wouldn't even buy Colemans Mustard company for that much ! 10m max. Still say that Benni McCarthy would do well if our other targets have gone... also, bad loss to Stoke but look at Arsenal and Fulham...we all know Arsenal will bounce back and so will we. Once Sidwell is bedded in along with the new fullbacks then we'll be firing my pals, firing I tell ya!
koolbill
Gotta agree. We'll sort it out, I'm sure of it. Only two teams have 2 wins -we'll make up lost points against Liverpool.
los_angeles_villan
Come on Fear, whats the latest? We going big in the last week or will it be 1 loan.
tarzansbrother
Anyone reckon that when Sidwell and Cuellar come in we will start keeping more clean sheets?? Just for any other Villa fans 'clean sheet' is when one team does not concede a goal for the entire duration of the game. It happened a few times when we had Bosnich and Schmeichel!!!! Come on lads!! We score loads without a 20 goal a season man yet concede as many as teams such as Wigan who finish 14th. O'Neill bought a new back 5 this summer and I think that they should all start with the exception of Davies at the expense of Cuellar.
deano.avfc
Maybe put Davis at right back (I think he's played there before) and Cuellar in the centre. Just a thought...
Nigel-not-Reo
You've got to give Luke Young A chance, same as all the defence they need time to gell, this time in a month it will be a different story.
johnmurphy3112
Koolbill. Please don't take this the wrong way but it aint your money mate. I have to laugh at fans who say I wouldn't pay this or that for a player. It isn't our money, and if MON and Randy are prepared to pay X mil for a player that's fine by me......Ellis has gone and hopefully we wont miss out on players ever again because we're not prepared to pay the asking price.
jonah
I think Luke Youngs problem at RB is that there is not a natural RM in front of him.
Pking
we do need another RB will be interesting to see if he signs a backup or a starter.. id love miguel...
aussie_villan
We're probably gonna miss out on SWP cause we're still waitin for an answer on Milner.
Pking
The decision on James Milner is to be made on Wednesday, if we can not get Milner, SWP will still be at Chelsea, it is highly unlikely that he will be gone in two days, there will be to much interest in SWP. Also we could just make a late bid for him.
villa for ever
Just read on SSN that villa are one of the clubs who are interested in taking Nicola Zigic on loan for a season. i hope there is some truth in this as i would like to see more competition in the strikers dept. And i hope milner comes to us. The pace that will have up front brings a nice smile to my face!!
Villa-in-my-Blood
IMO, the outcome on James Milner will go in our favor, because the reason of the meeting is to sort out 2 players futures, Owen and Milner. Also Mike Ashley knows that he is going to receive top money for Milner from us, it will be hard to resist. Just think as well who are Newcastle going to want to keep more Owen or Milner, OWEN OF COURSE. Huge amounts of money is likely to be put towards a new contract for Owen. And with Newcastle in debt and also needing money for their own transfers James Milner is more than likely to go. MILNER IS OURS.
villa for ever
en.wikipedia.org already have Zigic in Evertons squad. Would prefer a more prolific forward tna Zigic to be honest....his signing wouldn't exactly wet my panties.....
bentonm
In the Birmingham Mail - (apart from all the embarrassing pictures from the Stoke game), Joe Cole's name is still been mentioned.
It says " Martin O'Neil will try to nail down his transfer targets this week,
( obviously, as it is the only week left ), saying his targets include Readings Kevin Doyle, Chelsea's Joe Cole and Newcastle's James Milner.
villa for ever
As I said on today's transfer gossip thread - MON doesn't want Zigic - he already said so when Valencia said we had contacted them about buying him. He only played 3 games in the last year or so, so MON said why would he be interested in him? Be a massive turnaround if he changed his mind now... I think we may get Milner though - some reports are that MON has a set a deadline of midnight tonight for Newcastle's answer... wouuldn't mind him or SWP...
AVGD
Cole said the other day he wanted to stay at Chelsea for life. Zigic is a *****e link probably done by his agent and Doyle according to Coppell isn't for sale!
The Fear
I have just found out about that deadline tonight as well, for Newcastle to give us an answer as to whether James Milner is to leave, but it is not just Newcastle Martin wants the answer from, he wants the answer from James Milner as well. The same reports say that Martin O'Neil will abandon his 9 Million bid if he does not get his response, because Martin feels they are taking much to long on their decision. So Martin, i guess you are not going to wait until the end of the Newcastle meeting on Wednesday to get your answer.
I wonder though what James Milner's answer will be. Will he say he wants to stay at Newcastle, OR will he say he wants to go to Aston Villa. What do you all you guys think.
villa for ever
if you look here bentonm, where it lists Zigics clubs, his current club is Accrington Stanley. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_%C5%BDigi%C4%87 ...So dont rely on wiki for a good source
AussieVilla
Newcastle would have to out of their minds to sell Milner to us,I cant see it.
Pking
Or skint....
Villan444
Still nothing has been said about James Milner yet ahead of a deadline tonight. I don't think we will hear anything until Wednesday when Newcastle have that meeting. Anyone else heard anything about Milner. Hoping for good news.
villa for ever
jonah...cheers pal but your point is kind of mute, especially when you state you're laughing at fans...i aint having a pop but consider this: Villa will miss out on players regardless of who's in charge, see Kaka and Chelsea for reference and Ramsay and Man U for another...fans can offer an opinion based on cost reagrdless of who's in charge and regardless of your hope that RL will attract every player we wish to sign...see SWP or Defoe as perfect examples. Also, it's not my money but it is directly influenced every time I turn up and pay for a ticket and pie, cascade that down 35,000 plus fans every gate and it is OUR money that we are offering OUR views on...without fans there aint no club. As such I can offer my views on player prices as I have a right. You can carry on laughing but I'll carry on offering my opinion. Glad you commented though pal, shows we share a common passion at least - THE VILLA! UTV.
koolbill
we really need a right winger, joaquin, milner or swp would do the trick. neither nige or petrov are adequate for that position, notice how this season (ok it hasnt been going long yet) petrov has played much better now that hes in the centre, yet nige performances are worse
NorthcliffeBandit
I wish James Milner would open his mouth and say what he wants to do, instead of Keegan sticking his nose in and making Milner's decision for him. Keegan says that Milner is not for sale, if that is the case, fine, thats the managers view, but i would rather hear the view from James Milners mouth, NOT YOURS KEEGAN.
villa for ever
Milner in before window end and then who? If MON wants two more players then who will they be. Thinking outside of the box for a change, realistic or not, who is everyones choice for our final signing after we nab Milner.
holte ender 1969
Would have loved Deco, he looks like being a big influence this season. For me though get Huntelaar. The guys record is amazing and a good 20mil would do it. I have championed this guy all summer and see him as the perfect signing.
holte ender 1969
It says in the papers Kevin Doyle might be the next one in at £7.5 mill. not too sure about that, but Mons in charge I'll put my trust in him. Would like to see someone of star quality come in though.
johnmurphy3112
Of all the names to come up with I just can't bring myself to say Doyle. For me we should be looking at bigger targets.
holte ender 1969
Hmmm. £7.5m for Doyle is too much - really! Didn't look impressive against Charlton on Saturday and his form has dipped over the last year. MON may be able to get more out of him and return his confidence but not for £7.5m. We may want players but surely not him at that price. Agree that we really need a right winger though as we can onyl attck down one flank. Perhaps MON should consider putting Young on one flank and Barry on the other - we have a suplus of central midfielders after all! They can also switch sides during a game... Routledge must be worth a punt also, as with NRC we have no attacking down the right hand side...
AVGD
why not Gabby down the right and Ash down the left supplying to Carew and .....Doyle or the Hare.
happyvillan
Possibly - just don't think Gabby is at his best in that position... doesn't have the quality of crosssing and is easily doubled up on for his pace - doesn't have the same level of man-beating skill as Ashley either...
AVGD
Huntellaar would be perfect but I don't think he will come. It's got to be SWP or Milner hasn't it. Who the striker will be I don't know....stop gap being Benni McCarthy I would opt for. He will score and he would add class.
koolbill
Routledge has looked good every time I have seen him so has got to be worth a run soon.
Villan444
7.5 for Doyle, the worlds gone 4ucking mad!
eltoro
The sun says SWP is available and going to Citeh, I would like to think MON would put a bid in and get talks going, apparently he's available at £9 mill same price as Milner. I like Milner but SWP is a better player.
johnmurphy3112
Off topic and entering the spirit of the coming weekends football http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=3755502654 A couple of anti- liverpool songs on here which I am sure most have heard before but thought that the crest was funny and very fitting.
Villan444
Liverpool have beaten off the challenge of neighbours Everton to sign Albert Riera from Espanyol .....Barry will stay!
NY Villa
Also think he will have a massive point to prove after the snub.
NY Villa
When we play Liverpool, i can not wait to see the look on Rafa's face when Gareth Barry is playing AGAINST him. It just shows that the so-called big four can not get every player they want.
Also last nights deadline for Newcastles decision on whether to sell James Milner has passed, and their is still no response. So the outcome will be at Newcastles meeting tomorrow. Hope it will be Positive News for us.
villa for ever
i'm with eltoro and he1969 on the Doyle thing. a headline said "villa to splash out 7.5mil on doyle". it made me feel a little sick. truthfully.
leftfoot
I would value Kevin Doyle at around 4.5 Million. No way is he worth 7.5 Million.
villa for ever
Diego Milito, Gokhan Inler, Joaquin, Franco Semioli, Mario Santana, Ricardo Montilivo, Kuzmanovic, Huntelaar, Aissati, Afellay, Kallstrom??????? Any of the above would be nice...
NorthcliffeBandit
Benfica's Nelson signs for Real Betis... thats the RB.. guess MON didnt want him then.
aussie_villan
btw.. if you look at the table we have scored and conceded the most amount of goals... only one of those is a good thing...
aussie_villan
Commentators are saying that James Milner is having an outstanding game in Newcastle's Carling Cup game against Coventry. Do you guys think his performance tonight will have an effect on whether he is allowed to come to us. After all Newcastle have got that meeting tomorrow, and tomorrow is when we should know the decision as well.
villa for ever
Doyle didnt play today for Reading - a sign????
deano.avfc
I'd say so, i think he's coming to us...making the tally of ex-Reading players 3. I actually think Doyle would be the perfect striker for us, he's got pace, he's good in the air and he scores when given the chance...with our team creating the chances we do, he'll shine for sure. If he costs 7.5mil then pay it...we've been condemning liverpoo for not doing exactly that all summer...it's a bit over the odds, but if it's the player we want, you've gotta pay it. It's not like we're cash strapped like our car-stereo-thieving peers.
AstonMartinOneill
Did Reading say if Doyle was injured. And yes deano.avfc it might be a sign, but for me, not a good sign because i don't want him, only a average player. He could be the 3rd Reading player to come. Any more and we will become the new Reading. James Milner to be the final player to sign. ( Very Confident that he will. )
villa for ever
Would you think that with us in Europe, we would have the edge in James Milner arriving. I mean i can not see Milner turning down a team that is in Europe.
villa for ever
The website Sportinglife.com is stating a paragraph saying, "Amazingly though Milner is being courted by Aston Villa, who had a delegation at the Ricoh Arena ahead of what is likely to be another bid before Mondays transfer deadline. " These are the exact words coming from the website. And this story came on AFTER the game between Newcastle and Coventry.
villa for ever
This Milner to Villa saga has been going on for nearly 3 years now and is even worse than the Gareth Barry to Bindippers and Berbatov to Manure
Villan444
Would have preferred swp to milner as i think milner gives away possesion too much. So its looking like, at the moment, milner and doyle, saying that shorey doest expect doyle to come and keegan doesnt want milner to leave. if in the coming days the headlines read doyle and milner sign, i'll hardly be cockerhoop and probably emit a meh. More players please....
villain76
These are my predictions for the rest of the window: Barry to be sold for a cut price 14m to Arsenal or Liverpool (the latter on the proviso he doesn't play against us next weekend), replaced by Sidwell. By the way; all his dodgy performances are being excused at the moment - he's always played like this (gets over run against certain teams). Doyle will be signed. Milner price will be too high (KK is testing his board with their ambition) and will force a SWP panic buy/loan. Our options seem limited.
tarzan
So, todays the day Newcastle have their meeting, so maybe later today we will know the outcome of whether James Milner will come to us. Going to keep an eye on Sky Sports News for any Breaking News on Milner. Oh, and just so you all know Martin O'Neil was at the game last night between Newcastle and Coventry, more than likely keeping an eye on Milner.
villa for ever
YES, COME ON. - BREAKING NEWS ON SKY SPORTS NEWS- JAMES MILNER HANDS IN A TRANSFER REQUEST AT NEWCASTLE. 100% TRUE. SEE FOR YOURSELVES IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME.
villa for ever
Get in there. reported on Sporting Life too..........
Dead Souls
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1376531,00.html
avfchris
Yes James Milner - Always new that you loved Aston Villa, and would never reject us. Now that Milner has handed in a transfer request, Martin O'Neil it is time to make your move. I have just heard that Keegan is disappointed about this. TOO BAD
villa for ever
If James Milner does come down to the Midlands to sort out terms, there is only one thing that i am hoping will not happen this time. THAT HE DOES NOT GET RECALLED.
villa for ever
Isn't it strange. A few weeks ago we were all complaining about Liverpool and the GB saga. Now we are excited that Milner, who no doubts has an active agent or reads the press, has handed in a request. Pots and kettles?
Gordonsleftboot
Barry never handed in a transfer request though. He just verbally said he wanted to go to Liverpoo so he wouldn't lose his loyalty pay.
AMS78
Gordonsleftboot - If Barry handed in his transfer request he would have sacrificed £3m and Liverpool would have bid £15m and this would have been accepted. He also went to the press - as did Benitez and Gerrard. Milner kept quiet and handed in his transfer request meaning he will not get a payout - saving Villa and Newcastle money in the deal. He has not slagged off the boss or club.
deano.avfc
milner is villa til he die's.
i will never forget how fudged off he looked on ssn two years ago when he was recalled from bodymoor heath. welcome home jimmy.
Stig
I'm stunned by the request, but I'm pretty surre there's a sell on clause been invoked here from Leeds, around if a certain bid is made and the players hands in a transfer request (its been mentioned on the forum). Anyway I don't want to spoil everyone's party but Liverpool are interested in him. I don't like to see us gloating either, it's not clever or classy, remember how it felt with Yorke and did with Barry.
tarzan
There are still tickets for sale on the official website for the Liverpool match at the weekend! I know its on sunday and live on the telly and don't want to get all VOTH on everyone but surely we should sell this out. Scousers will be sat amongst us next. You don't see empty seats at their place ( although they have normally broken into the ground or robbed their tickets off one of their family they still go to the games.)
Villan444
Nice on Villan 444
Gordonsleftboot
Some people are saying that James Milner only submitted a transfer request to get a move to Liverpool. I can not see why he would consider a move to Liverpool, he must know that he would rarely be played there, and i do not think it would be for the money as i do not see him as a greedy person. I think 100% that he will come to Aston Villa as i think he has always had his heart set on the Villa move. Also we would out price any other other Premiership side that might have an interest in him. Maybe apart from Chelsea and Manchester United. Can not see them registering an interest.
villa for ever
Barry stays !! reported on ssn
jaspervilla
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/08/27/Premier-League-Barry-to-stay-at-Villa/
Mutley73
BREAKING NEWS - Sky Sports News state that " Gareth Barry's agent says midfielder will NOT be leaving in THIS transfer window. " Well that is good news, but a little disappointed when the agent says THIS transfer window. Would this mean reports will start to appear again in January.
villa for ever
Fantastic news that James Milner has handed in a transfer request. Now all we need, is Breaking News on Sky Sports News that a bid has from Villa has been made. I wonder when this will happen.
villa for ever
Got a feeling that we will bag Milner, Doyle a cover for right back and wait for it Joe Cole as Robinho set to sign 4 Chelsea.
astonsteve
Young, Barry, Sidwell, and Milner will be the best midfield for years! Get a decent striker and we'll be laughing!
In MON we trust!
astonsteve- Doyle a cover for right back. Kevin Doyle is a Striker.
villa for ever
Sorry villa for ever meant Doyle and a cover for right back, Milner, Cole as a suprise. Dont know who the cover for right back is going to be.
astonsteve
Not saying im in the know just guessing would be over the moon with those signings. If Doyle does come give him a chance sometimes some players click at certain clubs look at Peter Withe he really clicked when he joined us, we all want big name players but sometimes you get a player to be top drawer when you least expect it, i hope im making sense.
astonsteve
With Milner, Ashley, GB and the newly rejuvenated Petrov in midfield, even Balaban would score some goals so Doyle might be worth a punt if he can finish.
Villan444
Would you guys think Liverpool would firm up an interest for Milner. I hope they don't, but if they did i hope Milner makes correct choice. I wouldn't think they would have an interest in Milner as they are after Albert Riera, and if they managed to get Riera, they would then struggle to get money together for Milner.
villa for ever
we might not be quite there yet for 'big names' but we are certaining moving in the right direction, milner will be a geat addition and if doyle comes lets welcome him, MON knows what he's doing.
johnmurphy3112
Villan444 - just wondering, do you know who Bosko Balaban plays for now. Never heard anything about him since he left. Is he still in the game.
villa for ever
If Liverpool shift Pennant, then they have some room but Benitez likes to play 4-3-3 with Kuyt chasing around in circles on that wing. If Milner came to us he would surely be guaranteed a starting place on the wing especially over Nige. Saying that, the Geordies have been playing him in the centre so MON might have him as a play maker. He certainly scored a lot and I believe played there for the U21s.
Villan444
Think Bosko is still at Zagreb...
Villan444
Team news for tomorrow starting to appear - I know Shorey is injured and will be out of the team but Cuellar, Young and Shorey arrived too late for registration - O'Neill was allowed to add one player only and he chose Shorey. BUT for the team news Luke Young is named in the squad - is this bad reporting or am I missing something!!?? I would like us to play the following team (with trying new players v getting teh job done balance) - FRIEDEL, YOUNG (if available - if not - Gardner), STEIBLER (hattrick for reserves playing LB!!), LAURSEN, CUELLAR (if 90%+ fit - if not Davies - I would NOT play Knight as out centre-back pairing needs practice), ROUTLEDGE, BARRY, SIDWELL, SALIFOU, HAREWOOD, DELFOUNESU. I would really like to see Guzan play but I think Friedel, Laursen and Cuellar/Davies need to play together as much as possibe and stop the goals against column getting to high!!!
deano.avfc
Balaban was at Club Bruges for years playing in the belgian league...
AMS78
In August 2007, he went back to Dinamo after Bruges had bought the top scorer François Sterchele. Balaban stated he would miss Bruges very much and he had a wonderful time at the club. He earned the nickname amongst Bruges fans of "Super Bosko", due to him scoring four times in one match and scoring at an average of 0.5 goals per match.
deano.avfc
A reporter on Sky Sports News says that it will be a battle between Aston Villa and Liverpool for James Milner. Although an update on sky Sports News says that there is an offer of 9 Million on the table from Villa.
villa for ever
Rememer what i said way back on an earlier thread guys - Stieber is gonna play this season and impress lots of people. come on Milner, come on....errrrrr Benni McCarthy (standing by for abuse)....come on Joe Cole - no chance with Cole, he lavs landan!
koolbill
I would love to see MON make a cheeky bid for Owen, The toon are financially in trouble and Owen is in the last year of his contract, I think an attractive bid would be considered.
johnmurphy3112
Yes!!!! A mighty 879th in the vital members league! Striker problems?? Perchance a cheeky bid for barry conlon might solve them...
NorthcliffeBandit
Michael Bradley from Heerenveen? He wants premiership football, 21yrs old, good on pro evo
NorthcliffeBandit
Some of those Standard Liege players looked outstanding.
Pking
Northcb, you wonder why you are 879th? Michael Bradley who, WTF. Lets stick to proven quality shall we and forget your pro evo.
_______________________________________________________________
Great to see Milner put in request as he feels he is not gonna get the contract he feels he deserves. Will he get this at VP? I hope so as he really did fit in when he was last here at B6. On another note, I would like to see Delfounseo get a start against Hafnarjamjar. Being 4-1 up we should cruise and give starts to fringe squad players. UTV!
holte ender 1969
Sorry about Hafnarjamjar but it sounds better anyway. Lets hope they aren't jammy and dodge us! Haha...........Where's me jacket.
holte ender 1969
Holte ender 1969, I think you'll find it's pronounced "Half-a-jam-jar".
koolbill
About time you boys made it to Europe, isn't it?
NottyImp
Not 100% convinced that Milner will come, he handed in a transfer request 2 weeks ago to get a better contract. Only get excited when I see him on OS holding a Villa shirt. Doyle would be a good addition to the squad. UTV
Mutley73
Breaking News - Sky Sports News have just announced that Shaun Wright Phillips has signed for MANCHESTER CITY on a four year deal for an Undisclosed Fee.
villa for ever
When do you think we are going to put a bid in for James Milner. Might get a little worried as Liverpool have an interest in him too.
villa for ever
Surely SWP would have come to us over Sh1ty, so we obviously weren't interested. Milner must have always been MON's number 1 target for the right wing. Agree though Villaforever lets get him wrapped up asap, so he can play on Sunday.
In MON we trust!
we should have gone for SWP. Still, one thing i've learned is to sit back and trust MON...........i'm sure he has it covered
UTV
BREAKING NEWS: Villa will not be signing Kevin Doyle in the next 10 minutes because my old man just bumped into Steve Coppell in the shower at the gym.
simonbigron
Sounds a bit risque, this bumping around in showers etc.
Villan444
I did ask him my old man if he got a glimpse of steve cockell but apparently it was trunks on all round...
simonbigron
I think Sidwell and Cuellar will be regulars come the end of Sept. Team will be Fridel, Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey, Milner, Barry, Sidwell, Young, Gabby, Carew. Best team we've had for years. Would love another right back and a striker to push for a start though. Miguel and McCarthy please!
In MON we trust!
Get in...someone agrees with my McCarthy request!!!!
koolbill
Milner is a much better player than SWP. Would love to see him on one wing and ashley on the other. can keep swapping them over like united seem to do with their wingers to great effect, as they can both play on either side.
samd577
I have a feeling a bid for James Milner will be made Tomorrow. Should make sense if we want him available for Sunday against Liverpool.
villa for ever
Everton have bid for him!
Gazvilla
holte ender 1969 im hurt by your mockery!!! pro evo kept me alive between the euros and the first match of the day - it deserves a sainthood.
also Le Arse-nal have made a policy of buying young unproven players recently and they're better than us (loath as i am to admit it).
Michael Bradley is a regular international player from the USA - not unlike Guzan, and has attracted interest from boro, everton and blackburn.
NorthcliffeBandit
Martin O'Neil can you hurry up and bid for James Milner already, because Everton are in for him now and according to some reports they have already made their move with a 10 Million bid (i hope that is not true). Starting to get a little unsure now about getting Milner, though i am still hopeful. I just hope we have got the edge in getting him.
villa for ever
According to the Daily Express - Martin O'Neil will step up his pursuit of Newcastle's James Milner today (Friday). It says O'Neil will today concentrate his energies on strengthening the squad before the visit of Liverpool on Sunday - with Milner his No1 target. The Daily Express goes on to say that the transfer saga took a twist last night as the Toon increased their asking price for the winger. Villa have been told to pay an extra 2 Million on top of the original 10 Million fee, but are still expected to meet that target within the next 24 hours. It says that Everton are understood to have made a 10 Million bid last night but with the new transfer fee, which has been imposed by Newcastle directors Dennis Wise and Tony Jiminez is certain to represent a significant stumbling block for Everton. And last of all the Daily Express says that Milner is set to be left out of Newcastle's trip to Arsenal on Saturday and could even hold talks with O'Neil this weekend.
villa for ever
The Everton website does not say anything about an interest in James Milner. It does not even say that a bid has been made for him. I hope the stories about Everton in for him, are just rumors.
villa for ever
Everton don't have that kind of Money, simple as that. He'll be a Villan, I'm sure of it. Let's sign him up and Henrik Larsson as a short term solution until we can sign our number 1 targets next summer or even January. We can get Santa Cruz and I'm not sure who else is available, and I'd take Larsson over Doyle even at the age of 60.
los_angeles_villan
Northcliffebandit, dont be hurt its just my opinion. Its not MON's style to take a chance on a unknown at this late stage in the transfer window. I know what you mean about sanity though as I have been on Footbball Manager 2008 for the past two months. I have to say that I dont know anything about this Bradley dude but I still think we need another top proven signing before window shuts. Milner would be great, definately not H.Larsson (too old), Miguel and maybe B.McCarthy for the right price.
holte ender 1969
In for Marouane Fellaini of Standard leige seen him against the pool and looked good...cant see it though, is it because a few of them played well and have just been on tv? next Mon will be trying the pro evo tactic :)
villain76
milner having medical and we're in for fellaini. the mirrors on a roll this morning.
villain76
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/08/29/exclusive-james-milner-will-complete-aston-villa-move-this-morning-115875-20716121/
Not sure if this is true. can only hope!!!!
Dead Souls
apparently oneill is at the hyatt as we speak with milner - dont shoot the messenger, only what i have been told.
Stig
milner not training at newcastle today,has just been confirmed by SSN. keep the fingers crossed. UTV
Belfast Villain
Isn't MON in Monaco for the Uefa draw?
AstonMartinOneill
Milner will be in the squad to face liverpool, also oneill is considering larsson as a short term solution until he can get his main target up front.. unless things change in the next 72 hours.
i am aware that it was stated on ssn that villa are not one of the clubs to make an offer for him, but could still happen.
Eircol
Larsson would be a handy short term solution. What a good goalscorer. Fingers crossed the rumours about Milner are true...not training with Newcastle this morning sounds promising!
Villa4Europe
I'll be able to sleep at night now thanks to that gem of the bleeding obvious. cheers eircol.
villain76
Eircol, I think MON was looking to see how the Hare performed last night before plumping for Doyle. He may now choose to go for Doyle based on Marlon's preseaon performances.
tarzan
I really hope we would go in for Fellani from Standard Liege,he was brilliant in both games against Liverpool.Their left back and Centre Back were great in those games aswell.
Pking
Milner signs, great signing..
Eircol
UEFA Cup next round - Litex Lovech (BUL) v Aston Villa (ENG), who are they?
Mutley73
Yes. Yes. Yes. Breaking News - Aston Villa have signed James Milner from Newcastle on a Four-year deal. That has made my day. Can Not wait to see him in a Villa Shirt again.
villa for ever
YEESSS!!
Pking
Striker now please. No time to waste
Dead Souls
Mutley73
They play in the English Premier League and are from Aston a delightful suburb in Birmingham.
Dead Souls
Well whoever Litex Lovech are, no matter how week we may think they are, we should not underestimate them, remember what happened to us against NK Varteks.
villa for ever
MILNER BRILLIANT.
johnmurphy3112
thats £45m spent this summer. cheers randy, god bless.
Stig
who's next i wonder????
Stig
astriker.com
villain76
Thanks MON AND RANDY. Lets hear the chant theres only one Randy Lerner on sunday he deserves it.
astonsteve
Ha Ha very good Dead Souls.
Mutley73
Litex were 4th in the Bulgarian league last season. 1st leg is away. A good draw methinks.
NorthcliffeBandit
holte ender 1969 - 1 proven player in now. Could still do with a top class forward. Bradley would be a squad player, but young enough to improve into more. Larsson is too old, i agree. McCarthy would be good for about £3m? Even with Milner i feel several signings really should be made - we're still tempting injury gods with our small aquad.
NorthcliffeBandit
Should we be thanking David Moyes for getting involved in the Milner thing, because we weren't moving quick enough before he got involved. Would be interesting to know if they did get a bid accepted and if James just chose us without considering Everton.
AstonMartinOneill
Dead Souls: Very funny. Nice one. I think translated its Love Latex!!!
koolbill
Two things: Where are all the moaners now? Where are the "MON is an 80's manager" 4rseholes now eh? they're hanging their heads in shame and so they should. Secondly, we should definitely get a striker in...Benni or even Darren Bent but i think Man U and Livenomore have put an end to that as Spurs actually need him now! My fully fit team is: Friedel, Shorey, Davies(Cuellar must prove he can do it), Laursen, Young, A.Young, Barry, Sidwell, Milner, Agadoododo, Carew. NRC must raise his passing game to get back in. I think he will have a tough job after Sidwell is fresh and on form as he will obviously go forward and interchange with Barry alot...both score and both good tacklers too. Plus Gardner is getting better every game when played in MF and NRC should be well worried. Fingers crossed for a surprise striker but to be honest I can see a RB coming in over a striker.
koolbill
H and J on Talksport just did their weekend predictions and EVERYONE predicted a Villa win including Jim "bullseye" Bowen!
simonbigron
Bandit: Agreed, small squad but so much younger and fitter and better quality...a RB and a striker is all we really need....a LB at a push as i think we have alot of players to bed in now.....Benni Benni Benni Benni!!!!!! Please god don't buy Bellend from West Sham Ununited.
koolbill
Anyone fell a little sorry for Blackburn? We lose only Olaf but get Milner, Friedel, Sidwell, Cuellar and co. whilst they lose Mark Hughes, Friedel and Bentley to get Ince, Robbie Fowler and a MK Dons player...Ah well. Also Liverpool = LUCKY BAZTARDS!
NorthcliffeBandit
Sorry for BB. Leeeeetttt me think about that, errrr...yyy - NO. Tough dódó.
koolbill
BB have got Santa Cruz though. would love to of got him.
johnmurphy3112
nearly £50M spent and spent well. now that's more like it
UTV
Milner for England. He has got to be on the verge of his first call up. He deserves it.
villa for ever
James Milner, Nigel Reo Coker, Gareth Barry and Ashley Young. That is what i call a Villa and England Midfield.
villa for ever
Swap Sidwell and Reo and you're correct.
In MON we trust!
Vital Blackburn voted Villa team of the season.
Pking
I like Blackburn, even though they're on the wrong side of the pennines
NorthcliffeBandit
7,00 PM. and no serious gossip of any newcomers - so that's it until Jan. Ah well after yesterdays's very average performance against injury ridden opposition - I don't see any improvement over last year's league finish - Top6 possibly, Top4 no chance!
villacross
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