The Week In Villa #47 (10/7/09 - 16/7/09)

Friday, 10th July

As the same old recycled links are recycled once more, MON comes out and confirms he is looking to improve the squad. It`s hardly ground-breaking news, huh? I suppose though that if he stays silent, he will get slated and if he says we are trying to sign players he will get slated. Better sign some players then Mart!

There does appear to be some action. Well, sort of. Leeds confirm they have turned down two bids for Fabian Delph from two Premier League clubs. The media seem to suggest that it is 99% certain one of them is us, and about 90% that the other is Everton.

In other news, Kyle Naughton appears to be headed to the aforementioned Toffees, as Sheffield United accept a bid and give him permission to speak to them. There is still time for MON to hijack it though!

Okay, let`s try again. Will we sign anyone this week?

Saturday, 11th July

Wolves are linked with Zat Knight. To be honest I wouldn`t be surprised if this happened but I think Zat is a good option for 4th choice centre-back. Point in case - who is Man U`s 4th choice?

Sunday, 12th July

There is NOTHING new to discuss!

Monday, 13th July

Much like yesterday there is lots of rumours but nothing new. Well, one. Musut Ozil, who played for Germany in the U-21`s.

There are rumours building that we are getting closer to taking Downing and Tuncay off Boro`s hands.

In sad news, former manager Tommy Cummings passes away. I wish all the best to his friends and family.

Tuesday, 14th July

Good news. Sir Alex has said that Man U have finished doing transfer business. I hope that is the case, as they have been linked to Ashley Young. I don`t think he will go anywhere and have been saying so for a while, but surely if they DID come knocking he would be very interested in going there.

Zat Knight says he believes he can be the man to replace Martin Laursen. He`s wrong, unfortunately. He has all the attributes physically but mentally he doesn`t.

Wednesday, 15th July

MOVEMENT! We have agreed a fee for Stewart Downing and he is expected to sign tomorrow. The fee is believed to be around £10m with about £2m of extras.

Of course, there is a wee problem… thanks to Stilian Petrov, he is out of action until October at the earliest! Still, I think it is a good signing and while people may turn around and argue he isn`t good enough for a top 4 side, as far as I am concerned it is an improvement in the squad and that is a step in the right direction as far as I am concerned.

Not surprisingly, lazy journalistic hacks start to report that means Ashley Young is off. There is no way at all it could be a signing to add to the squad, no way it could be an extra attacking option, no sir-ee!

Thursday, 16th July

And he signs! Number one is in. So, all we need now is players that can contribute straight away!

Speaking of, Sylvain Distin is being strongly linked and the media seem to think he will be our 2nd signing. I guess it`s a 'Watch this space` and all that isn`t it.

The best news of all though comes from MON. He says that Ashley Young is not for sale and that we have not had any offers. Of course that does not mean that is 100% he will not go anywhere, and it does not mean that the alleged journalists will stop with the Young-is-leaving-Villa 'story` but, much like the John Carew situation, I am more interested in what the club is saying than what the clueless hacks have to say.

Finally the ball is rolling… So, all we need now is players that can contribute straight away!

UP THE VILLA!

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