I love rumours. Rumours for me suggest something is happening if only because one day they've got to get something right and if our name is getting thrown about a bit, it could actually be true that we're after maybe one or two of these.

First up and to wonder boy Gareth Barry, who might not be playing for Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City next season if either AC Milan or Real Madrid have anything to do with it. You see, those two teams have, apparently, shown an interest. Take what you want from that, I've got a feeling the club will announce that Barry is going to sign a new contract to keep him at the club for the rest of his career.

Don't ask me why I have that feeling, it's just a feeling and I'm not convinced it is the right one for Barry or the team.

Moving on and we have been linked with David Bentley again today, more on that here. You all know I'd like to see a Bentley at Villa Park and I fancy there is some truth in it too.

To some speculation from the other day that isn't good and the talk on the web is that Ryan Babel is going nowhere. I'd have liked Babel, if only because I think he cold turn out just like Dirk Kuyt and I like Dirk Kuyt, but it appears it is not to be and he'll be a Liverpool player again next season.

More speculation and we are once again linked with Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United, which seems to not want to go away. We'll know more for sure on this in a few days as I fancy O'Neill isn't going to want to wait around for the players that he should be able to get in quite easily, which would also suggest, if my reasoning is accurate, that we'll know more about West Brom winger Chris Brunt, although I fancy that is not going to happen.

I've probably missed a peach of a rumour but I'm struggling to come to terms with the fact that ten years ago I could quite easily wake in the morning, have a coffee and a slice of toast and my headache was gone but now, just a few short years down the line a few beers in an evening watching a game of football makes me feel like this.

So on that note, I'm off to drink more coffee than is medically recommended in the hope that I can muster the strength to do something positive with my day.

Comments (45)

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Mike Carter said:

... Shown an interest in what? Employing him to clean the rest of the squads boots? How ridiculous.

Comment 1, made on May 28, 2009 at 12.31 pm

Gatters said:

... I like the look of Naughton when I have seen him play a mere two or three times this season, and Bentley i would love to see at Villa Park, particularly now the fee will be drasticaly lower. Babel, blah, he always makes a good impact as a sub, but he is always crap when he starts, maybe i am being unfair on him but i would not be excited if we bought Babel. Plus, GB is not going to Real Madrid, i will tell you that now, on the other hand, i can see him in Italy, flourishing in fact. My predictions for the summer with values: Ins: Delph -6m Defour - 12m Naughton - 5m Hangelaand/Vermalaean8-10m Owen - Free Bentley 9m TOTAL = 41m Outs: Barry - 10m NRC - 6m Harewood - 3m TOTAL = 19m NET SPEND =22m pounds which is significantly less than year, so it fits in with Lerners plans and i for one would be very happy with the summer. Any thoughts?

Comment 2, made on May 28, 2009 at 12.37 pm

Simeon said:

... If Barry has to leave, then Real Madrid would be the ideal destination, at least from my point of view. The Spanish game would suit him down to the ground. And of course Real a few years back had a guy called Redondo who ran their team, and Barry is very similar in style to him. A shrewd signing by Real, and a great move for Barry. But would Real make such a shrewd signing? Is Michael Standing the kind of guy who's going to tout Barry around the top clubs? It would be interesting to see Villa fans' reactions if Barry did move abroad, because were he to do so, it would be as a result of buying out his contract - something that comes into play if he moves outside of England. Would Villa fans be happy to see Barry move to a club other than one of our domestic rivals, but miss out on a transfer fee, or would we want the consolation of a transfer fee, even if t meant Barry lining up against us next season and putting us to the sword? It's my view that football is crazier than it already apparently is if Barry doesn't leave. England's premier team were outclassed by Barcelona last night, and it has alot to do with the quality - or complete absence of it - in Man Utd's midfield. Anderson is a promising youngster, but is some distance of being able to compete at the highest level in a central midfield psotion. Carrick presumably was a promising youngster. When he was eleven. But throughtout his professional career he has been a joke. He sprays the odd lovely pass about, but otherwise just sprays the ball. He offers very little defensively, and very occasionally will score a flukey long ranger. He's not even mediocre, and how much was it that Ferguson spent on him?? Park is decent, but nothing more. Giggs was a fantastic winger in his day, but his days are in the past, and he is not a central midfield player. And Rooney isn't any kind of midfield player, as good as he is. And the less said about Scholes the better. So let's knock this idea on the head that Barry couldn't go and significantly improve a top four club, because he would walk into Man Ure's team. Having said that, so would Scott Parker...

Comment 3, made on May 28, 2009 at 12.43 pm

John Flynn said:

... If Barry stays: "Not sure it would be right for him or the team" but you would like to see Bentley at Villa..?? You must have more than a few beers last night...

Comment 4, made on May 28, 2009 at 12.47 pm

Adam Gatrad said:

... Simeon, completely disagree about Barry in Spain, i do not think he is the type of player Real will be after and i do not think he will fit in with the spanish game as well as he would in Italy where the pace is much slower and he will be given time on the ball and at AC playing in a Midfield which has an attacking midfielder and a DM already which would suit him perfectly as he can simly play the central midfield role as i do not rate him in either of the other 2 roles. What i do agree with in your post is about the champions league final last night. I must say i think the Manchester United defence are the best in the world, and their attack is second best in the world. but their midfield, as shown yesterday are miles behind. Park, Giggs, Carrick, Rooney? Just because Giggs does not have the pace to be a winger any more does not mean you can slot him wherever he fancies. Do not get me wrong Anderson and Carrick are good players but are that much better than Barry and Petrov? This is Man Utd we are talking about! The Barca midfield were last night and are a class apart, and an Iniesta type player is something i would love to see at Villa Parkm maybe Deofur can be that guy? I know nothing of him just speculating.

Comment 5, made on May 28, 2009 at 12.50 pm

clarkamus said:

... add stuuridge jurahsz biliga and bouasafa to that list gatters

Comment 6, made on May 28, 2009 at 1.01 pm

Simeon said:

... Gatters, the Spanish game is played at a markedly slower tempo than the English - particularly in central and deep midfield areas. It's a bit different in the final third when the attacking team is in posession of course, but I would guess that Barry would be playing in a deep-lying playmaker role. Contrary to popular belief, there are different types of creative players. In recent times, Redondo was the classic deep-lying playmaker. He orechestrated the great Real sides at the turn of the century. And then you have players like Messi, and numerous others, who do something special in the final third, playing short 5-10 yard passes that slice open defences. I think Barry would revel in the Spanish game. He has excellent close control, has the strength to hold off challenges from other playes comfortably, and has the vision and technique to make both short and long progressive passes. He is also intelligent and tactically aware - something that is sorely lacking in English players. If Real are thinking about properly replacing Redondo, Barry would be ideal - and cheap; about £2.5m assuming he bought out his contract. Of course, whether Real are actually aware of him is a mott point.

Comment 7, made on May 28, 2009 at 1.04 pm

Simeon said:

... By the way, as former England captain, what's your opinion on the upcoming Ashes series?

Comment 8, made on May 28, 2009 at 1.10 pm

somevillafansareajoke said:

... simeon - not the time or place for that

Comment 9, made on May 28, 2009 at 1.53 pm

Stock said:

... Bentley. Why? Have you actually seen him play this season? You'd think that not playing that much he'd be itching to get his chance. He's a lazy, big headed, greedy shit.

Comment 10, made on May 28, 2009 at 2.08 pm

Stock said:

... At least when the rumour mill really starts, we'll become his boyhood "team".

Comment 11, made on May 28, 2009 at 2.10 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Stock - did you watch him play last season?

Comment 12, made on May 28, 2009 at 2.37 pm

Adam Gatrad said:

... Stock, players do not become "bad players" over night, it seems to me his main problem was/is his attitude, he was playing in a very poor spurs team at the beginning of the season, granted he played his part in it too, but he hasnt been part of Harry's plans since the beginning. No one is saying "bentley oh my god yes please he will start every game for us!", but if you think a player of Bentley's calibre would not be a great addition to any "squad" of players then you are mistaken. Whether he will be a great first team player is indeed up for debate, but as a player that will add other options, provide competition, and depth, he will be great. Lyon got rid of Carew because of being lazy and actually his all round attitude, and he has been at more clubs than most players, yet he is the most loved and one of the most valuable players at Villa. You cannot only be happy if we sign Diego for 20 million pounds from werder Bremen who would transform our team.(I would jump for joy no doubt). If Bentley was our main signing of the window by far I and most would probably be rather dissapointed, does not mean we should not sign him up. Simeone: Basically it seems we have the same opinion on Barry and how well he would do in that sought of game, you are simlpy saying Spain, i am saying Italy, the principle is the same, slower with more time and strong on the ball. I cannot comment on Redondo because i have only seen him a few times and not hard too much. I personally would rather he went abroad, but i hope Barry would have too much Integrity to allow Villa not to receive a fee. I think if he goes to Liverpool people will angry, "traitor" etc etc, but if he goes to a European Giant, no one can begrudge him that new and exciting challenge after such great service. On that side note, i am very excited by the upcoming ashes series, i think with an on form england side and a relatively inexperienced Aussie side we have a chance actually, i predict 2-1 to England. It is semi on topic because something has got to fill the Villa Void over the next few months! Plus, Ian Bell is a staunch Villa fan!

Comment 13, made on May 28, 2009 at 2.57 pm

Steve Badger said:

... I'm not so sure about the pace being slower in Spain. I watched the Villareal-Valencia game the other night and couldn't believe the pace and technical ability. It put the EPL to shame on both counts, imo. But I do take the point that he would be suited in both leagues. I'd rather take the 8-10 mill and put it towards a top notch player, myself. though.

Comment 14, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.22 pm

David Tyler said:

... Simeon - Yes, the Man U midfield is p**spoor. Yeah, right! Gatters - would be happy enough with that team. There are a few alternatives I'd throw in but that's be a decent summer.

Comment 15, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.27 pm

VillaDude said:

... Im 100% sure that we are interested in David Bentley, but its up to the player to choose between us and Man City. Milner will be playin non stop football from last season - next season and MON wants to bring someone in to help build the squad and take some emphasis off the ever presents of last year. Will he choose us or man city - thats the question...?

Comment 16, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.29 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Why would he go to Man City? Wait, stupid question. Ok, for footballing reasons, why would he go to Man City? I know Marky H probably fancies him but seriously, he wouldn't get in their starting XI any week.

Comment 17, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.41 pm

Jake Gardner said:

... looks like pompey will be trying to buy some success next season. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189159/Arab-billionaire-Sulaiman-Al-Fahim-dubbed-Alan-Sugar-Dubai-set-buy-Portsmouth.html

Comment 18, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.46 pm

VillaDude said:

... Having played for Mark Hughes at Blackburn and helping him get into the England team, that might help pursuade him to join Man City.

Comment 19, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.53 pm

Fancy said:

... Please stop using the word fancy so much!!!

Comment 20, made on May 28, 2009 at 3.53 pm

Mike Carter said:

... It's a good word.

Comment 21, made on May 28, 2009 at 4.02 pm

Chrisodon said:

... It amazes me really the constant rate of speculation around barry. He's going to stay and finish his contract imo.

Comment 22, made on May 28, 2009 at 5.19 pm

David Tyler said:

... Chrisodon, I think he could do - and for his England chances should do. But... that means there will be no definitive moment when the speculation stops this summer and it will obviously start again next summer once the contract is gone. 3 summers in a row of constant transfer speculation - even best a Gerrard and Ronaldo!

Comment 23, made on May 28, 2009 at 5.26 pm

David Tyler said:

... "best" = "beats" is you are trying to make a sentence from that

Comment 24, made on May 28, 2009 at 5.26 pm

Chrisodon said:

... Shame he's not as good as either of those two. According to newsnow we're now after Bassong from the barcodes. Wouldn't mind him as he's been pretty good all season.

Comment 25, made on May 28, 2009 at 5.54 pm

Nel-A said:

... This sites looking really good! Nice one. I'd love to see Bentley play for Villa. I had a read of the Vital Spurs page and someone on there mentioned that we already have Milner wide right for us. But wouldn't it be great to have say, Bentley in the middle with Petrov, Young and Milner out wide, but with the three of them interchanging? I think it'd make for a fairly classy midfield! Probably won't happen! Ha! Here's to a good Summer though!

Comment 26, made on May 28, 2009 at 5.57 pm

Damian said:

... Chrisodon, We were getting linked to him back in April: http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...e-rumours/ Nel-A, Thanks ..

Comment 27, made on May 28, 2009 at 6.01 pm

David Tyler said:

... I just did some digging on Bassong. Newcastle's League Record with Bassong W3 D12 L15 = Win Ratio: 10% Lose Ratio: 50% Newcastle's League Record without Bassong W4 D1 L3 = Win Ratio: 50% Lose Ratio: 38% If Newcastle are better without him then so are we.

Comment 28, made on May 28, 2009 at 6.41 pm

David Tyler said:

... PS He picked up 2 Red Cards which explains half of the games missed.

Comment 29, made on May 28, 2009 at 6.42 pm

David Tyler said:

... Just looked again... as I thought he'd probably missed out on the easy games. Here are the 'easy' games he missed. VILLA (H and A) Man U (A) Liverpool (H) Chelsea (H) Fulham (A) Bolton (H) West Brom (H)

Comment 30, made on May 28, 2009 at 6.55 pm

David Tyler said:

... Sorry to bore you now but it did get me wondering who had their best record (as I wouldn't be too averse to signing Taylor - or so I thought). Results with Bassong (30 games) - Win 10%; Lose 50% without Bassong (8 games) - Win 50%; Lose 38% with Coloccini (34 games) - Win 18%; Lose 47% without Coloccini (too few games for reliable results) with Taylor (28 games) - Win 18%; Lose 50% without Taylor (10 games) - Win 20%; Lose 40% with Beye (23 games) - Win 26%; Lose 39% without Beye (15 games) - Win 7%; Lose 60% Basically if Beye had played all season st the same rate, Newcastle would have come about 13th. If we had to sign anyone from the Magpies, it should be Beye.

Comment 31, made on May 28, 2009 at 7.21 pm

Chrisodon said:

... Cheers damien. That's nearly 100-odd already linked with us ?..

Comment 32, made on May 28, 2009 at 7.50 pm

Avillafan said:

... I have to agree with you damo, i have a feeling Barry will sign a new deal. Its a big season for him with the world cup next summer and moving clubs could jepodise him playing at the biggest stage of a footballers career.

Comment 33, made on May 28, 2009 at 8.33 pm | url

Jake Gardner said:

... this is out the window now http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5353123,00.html

Comment 34, made on May 28, 2009 at 8.50 pm

Damian said:

... TheMachine Do we have a new name for you; Statto by any chance?

Comment 35, made on May 28, 2009 at 10.05 pm

Aaron Wilson said:

... As for the Bentley rumor... he would be ideal if Barry left! Stick him on the right and push Milner into Gareths position... Milner would be the perfect center mid and it would save us wasting 15million on someone! (except id its Steven Defour, yes please!)

Comment 36, made on May 28, 2009 at 11.26 pm

Nick said:

... totally off topic I read a article from the ap saying Rome hosted a successful champions league final because only 2 people were stabbed. Is this a joke?

Comment 37, made on May 29, 2009 at 12.37 am

David Tyler said:

... Damian, I've taken my anorak off now. No more amateur stats from me

Comment 38, made on May 29, 2009 at 8.07 am

Chrisodon said:

... pity......

Comment 39, made on May 29, 2009 at 8.15 am

jerry said:

... Put your anarak back on, these stats are interesting.

Comment 40, made on May 29, 2009 at 8.28 am

Villa4life said:

... Brunt.....erm no thanks.....relegation fodder can fook off

Comment 41, made on May 29, 2009 at 4.43 pm

Tony Dunn said:

... Gatters, like your picks. Fancy MON's job?? I would add in Hart (love to buy him), Warnock (and sell Shorey) and swap Owen for Sturridge. Oh, and if we've got budget left a cheeky €22m bid for Vagner Love. There is no way I would sell NRC but would think about Gardner and possibly Sidwell if we kept Barry and bought the others listed.

Comment 42, made on May 29, 2009 at 9.19 pm

FatKevs said:

... Dream on Lads With randy wanting to hold onto his money, only spending what is generated by the fans through turnstyles & Sky we are ging to be left well behind. Just to back it up further it appears they want to wiat for the market to settle down so MoN will be shopping at closing time picking up more Heskeys Our spine has gone & we will not replace it

Comment 43, made on May 31, 2009 at 10.10 am

morgan dunne said:

... guys shut up. barry was a good player for us. is still a good player end of story. so what he left,we are totally pissed off deep down. if you not pissed off you aint a villa fan.

Comment 44, made on June 02, 2009 at 9.51 pm

The Sport Review said:

... i'm not a villa or man city fan, but i think it's sad that he went for the money. he had previously said he wanted champions league football, and he won't get that for at least a year, and even then its still unlikely. if i were a villa fan i'd be disappointed, but not surprised.

Comment 45, made on June 02, 2009 at 11.05 pm | url

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