Wednesday's Aston Villa Press Transfer Talk

Reports today suggest that both Newcastle and Aston Villa will watch Standard Liege player Marouane Felliani at Anfield tonight. The 20-year-old 6ft 4in Belgian apparently impressed in the first leg Champions League qualifier and with more than 30 scouts watching him. The report says the midfielder, who has 9 caps, is rated so highly as a box to box player that his club value him at around £10million.

Another report says that Martin O'Neill will go ahead with his plans to sign Newcastle winger James Milner 'irrespective of the outcome of Newcastle United's board meeting today, when a decision is expected to be made on the England Under-21 international's future.' Not quite sure how that one works? If the board and manager agree he isn't for sale, what do the press think MON will do, drive up to Newcastle and kid nap Milner? The report goes on to say Villa hope to get the player for around £9million.

The latest quotes from Kevin Keegan suggest that he will be at loggerheads with his board if they decided to accept a bid for James Milner. The Magpies managerial legend said: 'James has a three-year-contract - I do not even want to talk about losing him. He is absolutely top notch, around the club, around the training ground. He is getting better and better every game.'

Shaun Wright-Phillips meanwhile, according to the press today, has been told to choose between Everton and Manchester City. Portsmouth were also interested but have apparently baulked at the £10million valuation. Wonder if Villa will get involved with this bidding?

Nicky Shorey says he doesn't expect press speculation linking Reading striker Kevin Doyle to Villa to come to fruition. Steve Coppell has already said the player isn't for sale but Villa are still being linked with a £7.5million bid for the Republic of Ireland international. Shorey told the Birmingham Mail: 'I think Reading will keep the majority of the lads who are there now. The season has started and I think the gaffer has said he doesn't want to lose anyone now. The fees will probably go up anyway.' He also added that Reading didn't click last year including the striker but 'he will come back to his top form and when he is on top form he is a real handful and a very good player.'

Hmmm, 7 days to go. Tick tock, tick tock!

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