Aston Villa's Saturday Press Transfer Talk

Well, sadly once again we can't bring you even the slightest hint of a transfer rumour inward, but we have a little transfer talk to look at. I do wish there was something more exciting to be typing I have to admit!

Martin O'Neill has said that he isn't forcing anyone out of Villa and if some of the fringe players don't find a move he will be looking to use them. On he told the official site that the break down of his move to Liverpool isn't the 'death knell' for the player (or any other who doesn't get a move)

He explained 'I can't start thinking that some players are going to leave the football club and make assumptions on that, so everybody here will get a proper chance to go and be as fit as they can so that when the season opens up, they've had some sort of opportunity to do that.'

Talking of Steve Sidwell the Express & Star say that the midfielders move to Fulham is now in doubt following the arrival of new boss Mark Hughes. MON saidL "With a new manager coming in it might be different. I don`t know if that will make things happen more quickly or not.Steve Sidwell played against Walsall the other day. I think he`s pleased to get some football which is very important."

The paper also says that Luke Young turned down a move to Liverpool. A report I read yesterday said the full-back wasn't prepared to take a £10 000 a week pay cut. Must admit, I don't blame him, why should he?! Fulham are also supposed to be interested.

MON has acknowledged talks with Manchester City over the on/off James Milner move are still ongoing.

MON has also reacted to the surprise Liverpool link for Stiliyan Petrov telling the E&S http://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2010/07/31/oneill-in-stiliyan-petrov-warning-to-reds/? that Petrov has been 'absolutely fantastic' over the last few seasons adding "Please, don`t take this as if I`m inviting offers, I`m not - but I`m not surprised that teams are interested in him. It`s exactly what I said about James Milner and, of course, we had an offer. It`s what I said about Ashley Young and a number of players - the next thing people are saying is I`m inviting offers, I`m not doing that.'

Which kind of illustrates everything MON says is looked at for double meanings and reading between the lines! lol MON also says he has no knowledge of the Liverpool link and that no contact has been made as far as he is aware.

The press are reporting that a big bid has been made for Celtic's Aiden McGeady who has been linked to both Spartak Moscow and Villa. The press seem to believe the bid is in from the Russian club. Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: '...there has been a big bid from a club on the table. There is strong interest, not just from Moscow. We believe there's interest from other clubs as well.'

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