I'm an optimistic person when it comes to the summer transfers and I fancy we're going to see some real quality coming to Villa Park this summer. Martin O'Neill is no mug and he knows what is needed. Randy Lerner is no mug either and he must see what is needed too.
Now that we've qualified that we've not got any mugs at Aston Villa, all we've got to do now is wait for it to happen.
First rumour today then is José Manuel Jiménez Ortiz who currently plays for Spanish top flight side UD Almería. He is also known as Mané, is a left back and is 27 years old. Hands up, I know nothing about him, but the talk is £9mn. so you've got to fancy he has something about him.
Next on the list is Spurs midfielder David Bentley and you know what, I'd really like this one to happen and I wouldn't be surprised if it happened soon.
We were interested last summer and actually made an offer to Blackburn but the player picked his boyhood team and by all accounts, we didn't offer enough. But that sort of doesn't matter, what it does show is that O'Neill was interested in Bentley.
I also fancy that Bentley would fit in with us too. We need a right sided midfielder that can cross and we also need to add quality. Bentley is a quality player, but is he going to bring the real quality needed to take us to the next level? It is a gamble, but you've got to fancy that if we can get him for £6mn. then it is a very safe gamble.
Before I go, a quick summary of some other things; Reo-Coker is probably off with Spurs, Everton and Fulham all apparently interested. Manchester City are also interested in Barry and the paper talk is that they'll pay him £19mn. over four years. Would Carew get that much?
Lastly, David Wheater isn't going to ask to leave Middlesbrough. Someone is going to have to make an approach first. I like this in a professional. Call it lazy or loyal, it's just nice.
Something later from Doc, but for now, that is your lot.