Villa's Sunday Press & Transfer Talk

Reports in both the News of the World and The Sunday Mercury suggest that Villa are going to grab Reading striker Kevin Doyle in January.

The 25-year-old, who was voted Championship Plyaer of the Month for September having scored 8 goals so far this season for the Royals, could cost up to £7million with both reports suggesting Martin O'Neill might try to use Marlon Harewood in part exchange although the Hare is apparently not keen on moving down to the Championship.

The Observer repeat the rumour we featured a week or so back that Wayne Routledge might be on his way to Wolves on loan. Villa's Routledge Winging His Way To Wolves?

However that report contradicts the quotes the Sunday Mercury have from Villa boss MON who says he won't be allowing any players to leave. O’Neill said: 'We cannot really let anyone go out. We have been asked about a number of our players going out on loan to Championship sides at this moment. But we wouldn’t be doing that as they would automatically go off the European roster. That means they cannot play European football until after Christmas and we will need every able bodied man around the place because these games will be coming thick and fast.'

Finally former Villa keeper Mark Bosnich says he is impressed with Villa this year and feels we'll finish in the top five. 'I’ve been very impressed with Villa’s ability to grind out results this season and they are the best team outside of the usual suspects. Martin O’Neill is a brilliant manager and he knows all about winning trophies. He was a member of the great Nottingham Forest team who won two European Cups under Brian Clough in the 1970s and he’s building a team at Villa with a good mix of youth and experience. I expect them to finish in the top five this year and if the fans are patient, Martin O’Neill will lead Villa to a trophy and lead them to being a force in Europeas well.'

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