I've had a little break this week but I am now back, but before we get to the speculation today, thank you to every one that emailed in some posts and I know there are more coming.

They will all be used, one only if we sign a certain player, but they will come next week, only because they all seemed to come in at the same time and it sort of got too much to deal with when I only had the internet for a little time every morning. So, thanks again, but now to Aston Villa.

First up, is the rumour that we are after West Ham defender Matthew Upson. I don't think I will be alone when I say I don't think he is the player to fill the boots of Martin Laursen. I also don't think there is much weight in this, but part of me thinks he is the type of player Martin O'Neill likes.

He is a decent defender, but he is also 30 years old and while his age doesn't stop him from playing in the top flight, it isn't going to be a long term signing and I think the player we get to replace Laursen has to be.

Moving on, according to the News of the World, 'Michael Owen's management company has sent out a 34-page brochure, highlighting his goal-scoring skills and commercial value' to us.

I think everyone knows the commercial value of Michael Owen but this is football and while the 'commercial value' of a player is important, if we are looking at players purely on a commercial level we can pay a lot less and get someone from China and reap some real financial rewards.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Michael Owen, when fit, will score goals and rather than his management company send out a document, I'd like Michael Owen to want to come to Villa to play football and score goals, not because he has a commercial value to us. I understand his management company has to do this and I understand why, but surely his value to us is greater if fit and that is the biggest worry when signing Michael Owen.

Last today and I've not seen this anywhere but on the comments here (I've not looked anywhere else) but some have mentioned that Manchester United might be interested in our Ashley Young. Is this true, I've been away, I don't know.

What I do know is that Ashley Young is vitally important to us and he is still developing.I also know what the signal would be if we let him leave. It will be three years hard work undone very quickly and it would present a 'false dawn'.

To keep Ashley Young, we need to sing some real quality, to match his ambition and that of the fans. It has to happen soon as our preseason starts in just over a month.

Other rumours today include David Bentley again, Philippe Senderos for £3mn., David Beckham, Tuncay Sanli and Tom Huddlestone. Again, all rumours, but all discussed, apart from maybe the Tuncay one, but I'd never heard of it, or him and just picked it up on NewsNow.

Signings are coming. I can smell it.

Comments (90)

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aston villa 1982 said:

... 1st damIm fed up picking up a newspaper and reading to see we are been linked to another english player, when mon first came here we was linked to loads of under 21 european players in the euro under 21 cup, has soon has we been linked with a young player, teams like liverpool real madrid will snap them up EG babel, i just wish he kept his gob shut. we are moaning about mon having a holiday, ok mon did have a holiday in feb with his team, but he should be able to spend time with his wife in pease. If i was a manager of a club i would be sending 90% of my scouts to south america, trying to find the next kaka, a little gem trying to break into the under 21 or main squad, angel was villa all time top ten best buy. I just hope we save all our money for this years under 21 european cup, and bring loads of kids in,

Comment 1, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.40 am

Kevin said:

... great post dam, owen will sell shirts and fans in the far east will know owen plays for villa, savage who left the scum when upton wanted his bum is 2 old, a player who gets into the england squad due to other players picking up knocks go from 2.5 to 10 million

Comment 2, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.44 am

Damian said:

... we are all allowed to take a holiday but i wouldn't think for a minute martin o'neill wasn't working at the same time i did an hour a day while away and i'm sure martin o'neill will be doing as much if not more .. my job just needs internet .. if all it needed was a mobile phone i'm sure i would have done a lot more, especially if someone was paying the bill o'neill is and has been working .. i'm sure he has ..

Comment 3, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.46 am

Daniel Wilson said:

... The Ashley Young to United thing has just been people putting 2 & 2 together and getting 5. United lose Ronaldo, so obviously anyone decent who can play the same role will be mooted as a replacement. Ash is brilliant but not a Ronaldo replacement quite yet, I don't think he will be going anywhere. I'm also smelling a transfer or 3 early next week, and i'm thinking it will be Bentley + possibly Huddlestone & Wheater. Would very much like to see Jenas though, he's growing on me like an annoying spot.

Comment 4, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.48 am

Billy7 said:

... I think Upson would be a good addition to the team, left footed Center Back, not many about. Good balance across the back 4, could also slot into left back in an emergency. Experienced, international looking for a ticket to world cup. Owen too, like i've said before, would be our biggest signing ever, yes its a gamble but not a financial gamble as we'd make more money than what we'd pay in the end. Also been linked with Bentley again, supposed to be signing July 1st, its reported in 1 paper, why July 1st? These are players i want us to be linked with.

Comment 5, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.49 am

Kevin said:

... Damian i have a manure link what manure fans think of web cam ashley, http://community.manutd.com/fo...42650.aspx

Comment 6, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.49 am

Pete Hutton said:

... MON should sign Carbone, he is keen to play in the premiership again

Comment 7, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.50 am

A.B said:

... youve never heard of tuncay ? hes pretty decent

Comment 8, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.51 am

Kevin said:

... i would swap lennon bentley and we give fat harry 3 to 5 million for web cam. ok its mad i know but i thinks its a good deal, i really think heskey and can in barry role holding the ball in midfield

Comment 9, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.54 am

Daniel Wilson said:

... Web Cam Ashley, I was thinking about Lennon too, I rate him almost as highly as Ash, so what about Lennon, Bentley, Huddlestone& Jennas + 5 millon for Ash

Comment 10, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.57 am

Nicky Villa said:

... When you think you have seen it all in football, out comes the "brochure" sent to clubs promoting Michael Owen......... and with a section titled "Frequently asked questions" - I'm speechless.

Comment 11, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.57 am

billy_villan said:

... it aint no good linked with a load of spurs rejects if we aiming for CL next season we should be aiming for higher caliber of players.

Comment 12, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.58 am

Simon said:

... Damian, I can smell something too, but its not signings

Comment 13, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.58 am

Damian said:

... A.B sorry, yes, i've hard of tuncay but i've not slept for over a day and when i wrote that i didn't remember who he was and i had never actually heard of him referred to in his surname and by the time i did remember who he was, after looking at his wikipedia page then the middlesbrough one, i forgot to take those two words out ... sorry .. but a mistake .. blame it on beer and tiredness

Comment 14, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.00 pm

Kevin said:

... danwilson that a great deal only if they take deadwood to with them too, i would like to lennon down vp, the prob with web cam he has is, is skill are great but his cross are 2 out of 4 that good

Comment 15, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.01 pm

Damian said:

... symbas that could have something to do with last night, but it isn't me

Comment 16, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.10 pm

Eoin Greene said:

... Upson is better than what we have and on a different planet to Wheater but not as good as Haageland or the 2 germans. I supose it bolis down to ambition here as to who we go for. Although that could be said of ll positions i supose. As for Owen - i have said this before - he is finished but as said above he is not a financial risk.....

Comment 17, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.20 pm

Nicky Villa said:

... Also saw a rumour that Robert Huth is a possible target. Would not surprise me if O'Neill buys 2 centre backs and off-loads Zat....lets hope so anyway.

Comment 18, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.23 pm

Josh said:

... Sunday Mercury: Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner is poised to move across the city to join bitter rivals Blues. Not a nice rumour to see. A good prospect going to Blues? Not again!

Comment 19, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.24 pm

Dubai Dave said:

... Gardner is Villa through and through. It would not take a lot to persuade him to stay in Claret and Blue. On the other hand if he were to go, I don’t think he want to go to small heath..... would he?

Comment 20, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.28 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... I don't think Gardner quite has enough to make it with us, however I thought the same about Cahill and he's now linked with a 20 million move. I think it would be in our interests to loan him out for a season to another premiership club to see what he's all about when he's starting week in week out. If he turns into something special we can then take him back.

Comment 21, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.30 pm

oldfart said:

... With Man.U and Man City having mega bucks, why don't they buy Lescault,Fellani,Ashley,Carew maybe even Milner and put paid to any competition for third and fourth. They could even target Van Perse. All these are proven top quality premiership players.Surely the Premiership authorities would then have to intervene. Will City and United do this??????. What does everyone think???? Remember it happened in Italy in the Nineties

Comment 22, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.36 pm

Dubai Dave said:

... Apparently real looking to sell their entire dutch contingent bought in, including Klaas-Jan huntalaar for aprox 15m euros? - aleady linked to spurs and everton. 76 goals in 92 league appearances - why aren't villa even linked? spend the judas money MON.....

Comment 23, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.40 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... With Man.U and Man City having mega bucks, why don't they buy Lescault,Fellani,Ashley,Carew maybe even Milner and put paid to any competition for third and fourth. They could even target Van Perse. All these are proven top quality premiership players.Surely the Premiership authorities would then have to intervene. Will City and United do this??????. What does everyone think???? Remember it happened in Italy in the Nineties This is true, but I think with the premiership being what it is, quality would just be brought in to replace the players and it would just be the same gap between the top 4 and the rest. Lets face it, if someone came in and offered 30 million for ash I dare say the club would accept it, and we might not get another 30 million player to replace him but there are planty of decent players for 10-15 mill who could do a very good job for us. This isn't me saying sell Ashley because I will be really f-ed off if we do but no player is bigger than the club and all that.

Comment 24, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.43 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Are you guys watching the Masters? Forget Michael Owen, we need to resign Benito Carbone! What a legend!

Comment 25, made on June 14, 2009 at 12.50 pm

Panos said:

... Apparently real looking to sell their entire dutch contingent bought in, including Klaas-Jan huntalaar for aprox 15m euros? Drenthe Sneijder Robben Van de Vaart Van Nistelrooy Huntelaar I think Real is trying to sell all of them except Huntelaar.

Comment 26, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.05 pm

parisianrob said:

... my source says that although MON would not sell ash he is expecting a bid from manu when alex is back off holiday and if over 25M he would find it hard to say no

Comment 27, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.06 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Ok well seeing as Real wanted Ash maybe we would be better swapping Robben or Sneijder + 10 mill for him, that I wouldn't refuse!

Comment 28, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.12 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Would rather have Ash, Robben and Scneijder all playing for us though, get the cheque book out randy!

Comment 29, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.13 pm

Joe said:

... Are you guys watching the Masters? Forget Michael Owen, we need to resign Benito Carbone! What a legend! I know carbone is class! I wouldnt mind anyplayers that we have been linked with as long as we get some better quality for barry and laursen replacments. UTV!

Comment 30, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.15 pm

Panos said:

... Would rather have Ash, Robben and Scneijder all playing for us though If I ever see that, I'll be as happy as a man can be!

Comment 31, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.16 pm

Dubai Dave said:

... The likes of spurs or everton, who are no bigger than Villa, are linked to big name players. It did Man city no harm putting in the offer for Kaka - sends out a message of intent - a similar message should be sent out by villa bidding for Robben/ Scneijder et al. Instead we'll probably be getting linked to Joey barton......

Comment 32, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.21 pm

testie said:

... I would hate to loose Young, i don't think there is any reason to sell him, he has recently signed a new contract and will want first team football where he can shine next year which he will get at Villa. Going to ManU would be a mistake he would just get compared to Ronaldo with huge expectations. I'm not sure what i think of Owen on a free and costing around 3 mil over the year seems like a ok deal. With Owen i'm just concerned about his own commitment, his main passion in life is not football its horses and betting. With a player with injury problems the player needs to want it more than anything else (like Laursen), i just don't get that from Owen. It could be a real waste of money, but at the same time 3 mil in football terms is not a huge amount to gamble on. Haageland seems like the best defender that we could get at the moment, he could be very useful he was solid last season and he would be arguably playing in a better team at Villa (no offense to Fulham, they we great last season) so he could improve, how old is he?

Comment 33, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.23 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... with players like Hunteelar, Drtenthe, Van der vaart, robben, sneijder available from Real Madrid we should be in there. thats the level we need to be at to progress. not huddlestone, owen, upson, senderos.

Comment 34, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.54 pm

Alistair said:

... Hangeland is late twenties isn't he? Like 28? I reckon we have to go for Owen, if only for a sign of intent. I would love any of the Dutch players from Real, hoping most for Robben or Schnider. I don't think that going for players from Spurs or Everton are that bad because they have some quality. Yea it surprised me when you said you hadn't heard of Sanli, we should go for him and Huth.

Comment 35, made on June 14, 2009 at 1.58 pm

Josh said:

... If Villa could pull Sneijder or Robben (or both!) i'd be a very happy man. It'd take a lot of money in wages though, but it'd definitely put Villa on the map for continental players. We'd also have the midfield sorted. A replacement for Barry (who is better) and a left winger so we can put Ash in the "in the hole" position. I think its a pipe dream however, i think MON puts Villa down when it comes to transfers. It's almost as if he's 100% certain these players wouldn't come to us. Give it a try Martin!

Comment 36, made on June 14, 2009 at 2.09 pm

Dubai Dave said:

... Dizzy, You are right. 100%. The facts are the spending spree real are on at the moment means they are looking to recoup money by selling the dutch contingent, who Perez has gone on record saying he didn't much like the 'boring'style real played last season. On top of the dutch, probably heinze and Saviola are in the shop window. Spurs are sniffing, can they offer Euope - No. These are the players we should be looking at.

Comment 37, made on June 14, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Rich said:

... IMO Van de Vaart is the best of the Dutch contingent

Comment 38, made on June 14, 2009 at 2.55 pm

gregdavillain said:

... nice to see carew aint going anywhere according to oneill.... id take drentne, van dar vaart and ruud van nistleroy, thank u very much. Sneijder is class but i dont think he'd put in the effort required. In all reality i dont think we'd be able to sign any of those players as they all have high opinions of themselves esp. sneijder and drenthne, if we offered van der vaart a big contract and told him if the big four were to come in for him after a couple of seasons that we wouldnt stand in his way, is about the only way they'll come and that then makes us a selling club, but if we progressed it still might help in the long run????? Looking at all the big players just makes you understand how hard it is to bring in this type of quality.

Comment 39, made on June 14, 2009 at 3.25 pm

Panos said:

... I think Real is trying to sell... Real is are... Apologies for frequent mistakes as English is not my first language

Comment 40, made on June 14, 2009 at 3.26 pm

naggyman said:

... I reckon Bentley would be a good player to sign, however i don't think he's good enough to take milner's position, he would have to play center left of right. does anyone rate Noble from west ham as having potential?

Comment 41, made on June 14, 2009 at 3.41 pm

RayK said:

... Much as I would love otherwise MON will not include Drenthe or Van der vaart let alone the likes of Huntelaar or Sneijder. If we can't keep hold of the likes of Ashley Young, why would Lennon want to come to Villa Park?!? Equally I can't see MON doing any shopping at the U21 finals either, unless you're talking about Adam Johnson who I can see MON thinking is worth £10m... I want to be wrong but i can easily see MON spending £25m on Jenas, Hutton and Bentley and feeling delighted with that. If Gardner does go for £4m I can also see MON spending £7m on Huddlestone as well again thinking that it was a good deal too. Don't get me wrong they're all good players but I sense that the only reason we'll go for them is that they're English and available - not that they'll particularly improve the team. That's why I can also see Wheater and Owen coming to Villa too. Its interesting that MON appears to have said this morning that he wants to keep Carew, but nothing on Ashley Young? Maybe the deal is Young + £8m-£10m for Bentley, Jenas, Huddlestone and Hutton? Anyone heard anything more about Sturridge?

Comment 42, made on June 14, 2009 at 3.52 pm

southgatescrookednose said:

... if MON can buy milner for 12 mill i dont see any reason why he cant try and sign say sneidjer for a similar amount, a good swap for barry id say.

Comment 43, made on June 14, 2009 at 4.47 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Panos, Real is are... Apologies for frequent mistakes as English is not my first language smilies/wink.gif No worries mate. There's not much wrong with your English Actually, the "is" would be correct for Americans. They refer to clubs as an object, not a living part of the community. I hate the way they bastardize our language

Comment 44, made on June 14, 2009 at 4.51 pm

Steve Badger said:

... It must be a slow week when I'm discussing the semantics of English. Sorry lads. I want action!!! At least a couple of statements from MON would be nice.

Comment 45, made on June 14, 2009 at 4.55 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Even if it was to say how nice his holiday was

Comment 46, made on June 14, 2009 at 4.57 pm

Simeon said:

... Ashkey Young leaving would send out exactly the same signal that Gareth Barry leaving does. We can't compete at the top level. This is a simple fact. Ashley Young is a top level player, and it's only natural that he wants to be playing at his level. If a top level club takes note, and comes up with a suitable offer, then Ashley Young will leave. He might not leave this summer, but, assuming he doesn't suffer a serious injury, or a serious drop in form, he'll be gone by next summer. It gives me no pleasure to point this out, but this is the price you pay for not being in Champions League contention.

Comment 47, made on June 14, 2009 at 5.37 pm

Simeon said:

... As a brief aside, I notice O'Neill is back from holiday as he has stated that he doesn't want Carew to leave. But still no statement on Gareth Barry's departure - unless I missed something.

Comment 48, made on June 14, 2009 at 5.38 pm

Leroy said:

... I have to say that i along with everyone else, would much rather have some international players with big upsides rather than second rate english players who have yet to make their mark in the Premiership...... Having said that, i feel more and more welcoming of the fact that we could end up bringing in Jenas, Huddelstone, Bentley and Hutton. But this is like a plan "b" in my books and my fears are we could very well end up with less than this..... Badger i totaly understand how you are feeling...i am ready for some action thats for sure. The pre season games start in three weeks so i would hope that we have atleast the defence in order by then....wishful thinking

Comment 49, made on June 14, 2009 at 5.42 pm

Paul Theiss said:

... No worries mate. There's not much wrong with your English Actually, the "is" would be correct for Americans. They refer to clubs as an object, not a living part of the community. I hate the way they bastardize our language No. He was correct. Real is singular, not plural. One of the many simple rules of grammar that the English have forgotten!

Comment 50, made on June 14, 2009 at 5.56 pm

Simeon said:

... Leroy, it might be Plan B for you, but from what we know, it's safe to say that this is Mart's Plan A. Those who haven't already need to get with the program. Mart has a certain way of doing things and that's not going to change. The idea of taking Real Madrid's flops off their hands for example is a good one, and would pass quite nicely for a Plan A, if it weren't for two things; a) Mart just wouldn't do it, and b) even if he wanted to, it's most unlikely that the best of these players (your Robbens and Sneijders) are going to be interested in coming to a club who don't pay big wages and aren't in the Champions League. And we aren't suddenly going to become a club who big wages, and we're not suddenly going to be in the Champions League. What we ought to be doing is identifying the next Robbens and Sneijders and snapping them up before their footballing and financial requirements are beyond what we can offer. But Mart isn't going to be doing that either. So that's why it's Jenas, Bentley and Huddlestone.

Comment 51, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.04 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... Even if Oneill isnt sure the Dutch players at Madrid would come to us, id much rather us put an offer in and be turned down. would at least show we have some ambition and knowledge that there are footballers in other countries

Comment 52, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.11 pm

Steve Badger said:

... VFT, No. He was correct. Real is singular, not plural. One of the many simple rules of grammar that the English have forgotten! Who invented the bloody language? God, these colonnials have got some nerve Seriously though, it bugs me. I much prefer "they", as in Manure, as opposed to "it". "It" just sounds soulless, imo. Same as "we" as in Villa. Anyway, I'd better throw in a footy comment, I guess........ Er, there's nothing to comment about, it's all been done. God I hate the close season

Comment 53, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.12 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... Heinze Van der Vaart Hunteelar Mertasaker Who could comlain at that?

Comment 54, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.13 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Ooops, same as "we" as in Villa sounds better, that is.

Comment 55, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.14 pm

Simeon said:

... Heinze is terrible, and I've been unimpressed with Huntelaar. Besides, we'd only be signing a striker if one of our strikers (and I'm not talking about Harewood) is sold. Don't know enough about Meertesacker to comment. Van der Vaart is pretty good. But none of them are going to be Mart targets, so it won't even get to the 'put in an offer and be turned down' stage.

Comment 56, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.18 pm

Tim said:

... I too would love to see a Dutch Contingent arrive at Villa Park. Im not happy that MON just thinks that British is Best !! He really needs to show that he means business in driving this club forward to compete with the top 4. Ill give him another 12 Months in this job and if we finish lower than last season i'd give him the boot. We are never going to compete with the top 4 buying everyone else's castoffs. MON and Randy you must look for big names and if that means these players from Real Madrid then great, its about time we had a bit of World Class at Villa Park again !! We nned to splash the cash and plenty of it this Summer otherwise i fear we will be doomed and if the Small Heath Scum beat us this year then then i will not be backing MON or Randy ever again. Its time to stop pissing around O'Neill and get signing Quality who can take us back to the heights of 1982 not back to the 1970's and scrapping to stay im the Premiership in 2010. Carew and Ash have to stay , you sell those and we are doomed !!

Comment 57, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.18 pm

Simeon said:

... Ah, but shouldn't Manure be referred to as 'it' given they are indeed a soulless corporation?

Comment 58, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.19 pm

clarkamus said:

... im confused over the transfer window some say its open some say it opens july 1st but gareth barry has already moved to man city but thats the only transfer that has been completed as far as i know can someone inform me of what the situation actually is?

Comment 59, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.31 pm

Panos said:

... Villain-from-Texas, No. He was correct. Real is singular, not plural. No. I was wrong. I agree with Badger, "It" just sounds soulless

Comment 60, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.36 pm

testie said:

... Clarkamus- i'm sure it's open now as like you've said Barry moved to Man City, think it opened on the last day of the season at midnight. "What we ought to be doing is identifying the next Robbens and Sneijders and snapping them up before their footballing and financial requirements are beyond what we can offer" Simeon spot on mate, you should get a job down the Villa

Comment 61, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.53 pm

testie said:

... Oh and Ak_27 just wanted to say sorry for getting a bit personal if you were offended mate, i like you just want something to happen. We must remember that we are all Villa fans and have the best interest of the club at heart even if you are a negative norris.

Comment 62, made on June 14, 2009 at 6.57 pm

the burp said:

... the good news is that I'm fairly certain that MON is off his holidays - he was at a funeral mass in Derry this morning for an old college mate so isn't too far away

Comment 63, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.03 pm

Paul Theiss said:

... Panos, No. I was wrong. I agree with Badger. We are actually both right: http://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/382307 (even the Kiwis do it like the Americans!). Onto what this blog is about, Aston Villa. I would love for Villa to sign either Sneijder or Van der Vaart, but I just can't fathom that either would come here. Such players simply don't move from Real Madrid to Villa. As for Bentley, this will be a great move if it actually happens (but god forbid we play him in the middle of the park). This guy can be class on his day, and he would make Carew and Gabby more dangerous. To be sure, I don't see him as replacing Milner. We can switch between them depending on the matchup, and we'll gain the ability to give Milner a free role at times.

Comment 64, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.05 pm

Steve Badger said:

... It would seem Bentley is pretty much in the bag. Local, albeit probably dubious and the papers are saying it. For some reason it actually rings true with me. My guess is Bentley on the right and Milner will become our new engine. Think about it. He covers miles during a game, can get back to help out and can go forward to shoot or pass at close quarters. He won't be given a free role imo, he'll be our fulcrum. The new Gerrard, if you like. Hence you can rule out any skilled playmakers, imo. Now I quite like the idea of that and it would explain why MON wants another RW. Or am I talking rot?

Comment 65, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.18 pm

DAVIDVILLA said:

... david bentley is on holiday and will be returning july 1st thats why the paper said that date i just wish we would sign someone now i hate waiting lol get vagna luv martin spash some money he is perfect who agrees ? also brian graham from scotish 3rd division he is the top scorer, dont dis him until you see him play he is very skillfull and very very fast see for urself he is one for the future up the villa

Comment 66, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.25 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... so many strange players you guys are putting out there...well it is silly season after all

Comment 67, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.27 pm

K4AVFC said:

... "Vagna Luv" haha, shocking!

Comment 68, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.28 pm

walshy said:

... haha man u fans thinm gabby is worth 30m on that link haha!they reli r retards!!!

Comment 69, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.29 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Must admit I like the idea of Vagner Love. I haven't seen much of him, our game apart, but he seems to have quick feet, something Gabby lacks big time. Not that I'm getting at Gabby, horses for courses etc

Comment 70, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.30 pm

ak_27 said:

... testie no problem. I had a few drinks on me last night so i was a bit narky. I probably come across as negative but it's mainly been down to not really believing in the strategy of MON. I haven't for over 2 years now. I'll wait to see who we bring in to deside if he has changed his tact and i would be happy enough with Bentley. Id take Huddlestone as well as long as he is only a squad player. But i just don't see how targeting players who are not good enough for a team below us will make us break the top 4. If breaking the top 4 is actually or target this season.

Comment 71, made on June 14, 2009 at 7.49 pm

gregdavillain said:

... ak 27 u shud buy an ak 47 for yourself

Comment 72, made on June 14, 2009 at 8.07 pm

testie said:

... Ak_27 i agree to a certain extent, but what MON may seem to lack in the transfer window i think he makes up for in man management and i think he is the type of manager that could make some of the so called average players better. Look at some of our team for example, big John who would have been considered a little average before coming to the Villa. I just think there is a lot of luck sometimes when it comes to transfers so players could turn out to be quality where as others can turn out to be pants. I think signing the likes of Bentley and Huddlestone MON knows what he is getting and could do something with them. However, it would be nice if we signed a bigish name, watching Love against us last season he looked like he would fit straight into our team.

Comment 73, made on June 14, 2009 at 8.14 pm

ak_27 said:

... Wagner Love would be a great signing. Would really signal to other possible targets that we are contenders and have ambition. The thing about MON buying players that are suplus to requirement at clubs below us is that will only get you so far. I think we have gone as high as we will by this strategy and now is time to bring in a few players that will improve the team signifcantly. Hopefully he will shock me over the next few weeks with who he brings in but going on his track record i think we will see the likes of Wheater and Huddlestone coming in rather then Love or Hangeland.

Comment 74, made on June 14, 2009 at 8.42 pm

Kevin said:

... U put your transfer in, you put your transfer out, in out, in out, you f**k your club about, you do the christano and u change your mind, thats whats its all about! Ohhh Ronaldo is a w****r, Ohhh Ronaldo is a w****r, Ohhh Ronaldo is a w****r, knees bent, arms stretch, dive dive dive

Comment 75, made on June 14, 2009 at 9.26 pm

Steve Badger said:

... You've got to laugh

Comment 76, made on June 14, 2009 at 9.56 pm

RayK said:

... Okay, big week coming up. Given that I think we will be limited to existing Premiership players, as a replacement for Barry, Jenas would be good - especially if it allows Petrov a bit more of a creative license. In Ron Atkinson language he has a 'tremendous engine' and also has a decent goal scoring record. I'd also like Bentley, as proper competition for Milner and Ashley Young. I just don't want to spend more than £9m-£10m on him. I'd prefer Naughton over Hutton only because I think he has more potential. I wouldn't be surprised though if we still saw Micah Richards though, with Luke Young continuing at LB and Shorey moving on. If Huddlestone is also to come then I'd prefer either Sidwell or NRC leaving ahead of Gardner as I think we'd realise more value on those two than on Gardner. If we signed both Jenas and Bentley for a combined £19m then I think that would be a good deal. I'd only sign Huddlestone (say £7m) if we could get £6m for NRC or £4m for Sidwell. Whilst those 2-3 would be good acquisitions to the squad the bigger question is still who we're gonna get in as CB. I'd prefer Upson to Wheater every time, simply for his experience and I do think we could get a good 2-3 years out of him. Finally, I actually hope our first singing is actually Daniel Sturridge rather than any of the Spuds players. Okay he's not Vagner Love but I reckon he's got much more potential than Gabby ever had/has. Based on the likely signings my 1st team would be Freidel, Richards, Davies, Upson, L Young, Bentley, Petrov, Jenas, A Young, Carew and Agbonlahor. My subs bench would be Guzan, Bouma, Cuellar, NRC, Milner, Sturridge and Heskey. Okay, its not immediate Top 4 but I reckon its stronger than what we had this season.

Comment 77, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.22 pm

truevillan said:

... why has the link to defour gone cold, he is far better than any of the tottenham players mentoned. it would be typical villa to buy up tottenham rubbish and fund redknaps purchase of a player like defour, if not defour himself im fed up with the england B team being linked with us, do we pay any european scouts? if yes they are either ignored or bloody useless! 2 facts concern me aout MON and any chance we have of breaking the top 4, number 1, his lack of foreign footballers knowledge number 2, the fact he has never won a game in march! the period you need to be playin well to win most of the cups or contend the champions league spot!

Comment 78, made on June 14, 2009 at 11.44 pm

david g said:

... I really think that the best thing for all Villa fans to do right now is chill out, and not get excited about signing the likes of Love or van der Vaart. That way, when it's time to welcome the Spuds' reserves to Villa Park, we can be underwhelmed in unision.

Comment 79, made on June 15, 2009 at 12.41 am

Daniel Wilson said:

... Signing tomorrow mirning, I feel it in my loins, wherever they are?

Comment 80, made on June 15, 2009 at 12.42 am

I'm Bored said:

... We won't sign any foreigners and I doubt any 'Ashley type'' youngsters vwill be arriving either. Bentley is shit, Huddlestenenenene fat injury boy is shit also. My dad's a spud fan and he's laughing his ass off.

Comment 81, made on June 15, 2009 at 1.59 am

Mike Carter said:

... Bentley to be a Villa player as of 1st July, apparently.

Comment 82, made on June 15, 2009 at 9.21 am

Rich said:

... Sorry RayK, I think the 11 you named is actually weaker than last season. No Barry, no Laursen ......

Comment 83, made on June 15, 2009 at 9.22 am

oldvillan said:

... am i the only one who thinks we still need another keeper to replace friedel.joe hart anyone.

Comment 84, made on June 15, 2009 at 11.09 am

Woz said:

... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/new...attoo.html Anybody else read this??

Comment 85, made on June 15, 2009 at 11.13 am

mikey18 said:

... I'm going to put this out there and i know a lot of people won't like it! but whilst there's a lack of transfer dealings a little bit of controversy won't go amiss. Laursen is massively over rated by a lot of villa fans. He was world class aerially, in both the oppositions and our own boxes. But when it comes to other attributes he was average in a lot of departments. If you compare him to the centre backs of the top 4 you have to ask does he really make that bracket? Do Villa fans honestly believe he is as good as rio vidic? Terry, Caravalho, alex? Carragher skertel? Toure and gallas (maybe). Lescott and jagielka? several of my everton fan friends beleive jagielka is better than lescott. Do people think hangeeland would be an improvement on laursen? Personally i do, fulham had an impressive defensive record last season with a back four of Pantsil? Hangeeland Hughes!!! Koncheskey! Pantsil, Hughes and koncheskey proven to be average prem players at best and i feel hangeeland alone is the reason of their impressive defence!

Comment 86, made on June 15, 2009 at 11.31 am

RayK said:

... Rich - we only had Laursen for about half the season, and I think Upson's experience alongside Davies would be good. Richards at RB and L Young at LB is better than L Young at RB and Shorey at LB and is also better than NRC/Cuellar/Gardner at RB and L Young at LB.... As for midfield, I think Jenas is defensively much stronger than Barry was and the loss of Barry's creativity is balanced out by Petrov having a more creative role and Bentley's better delivery imo than Milner. I do think that the real extra strength comes from who's on the bench - Bouma, Cuellar, Milner, NRC/Huddlestone/Sidwell/Gardner, Sturridge and Heskey. A couple of seasons ago I think we'd have all been quite happy with those players in our first eleven, so having them on the bench would be a sign of progress.

Comment 87, made on June 15, 2009 at 1.59 pm

runner29 said:

... Gardener to city? dont think so cos he's villa through and through and now that Barry has gone i think he's going to come in to his own and turn into the player that we need to run the middle of the park with Petrov, and we also need to start making moves in the transfer window now or it's going to be the same story as the last two years

Comment 88, made on June 15, 2009 at 2.08 pm

ak_27 said:

... mikey18 i agree with you on that. I have stated the same before. Laursen was immense in the air (both defensively and in the oppossitions box) but if you turned him he was sometimes like a tanker getting turned (take Fullers goal at Stoke as example). He will be hugely missed but he was not in the same league as some of the defenders you have listed above.

Comment 89, made on June 15, 2009 at 2.17 pm

Aero-For-Villa said:

... Mikey18, i dont agree with you at all but then again everyone has a right to an opinion! Mine is - Laursen was in the top 4 premiership defenders at least.... he was top notch in every department and anyone know where that Defour guy is, i could have sworn MON signed him!

Comment 90, made on June 15, 2009 at 4.50 pm

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