Transfer Deadline Day – LIVE – CLOSED
WINDOW CLOSES at 5PM
Will there be any moves involving Villa today.
Please keep updated with the latest Villa biased news here.
Talksport just said that JAMES BEATTIE is at Villa Park for talks, UPDATED – at Sunderland apparently
Nicky Shorey linked with a loan move to Fulham who has we saw on Saturday need a full back or two !
The Metro paper linking us with a loan move for Michael Owen, this is something I think we have looked at but I doubt it will happen. However there are very strong rumours around.
BBC reporting rumours of Steve Sidwell to Stoke, no chance with NRC out for three months
Belgian press reports that both Everton and Villa after £8m rated Standard Liege midfielder Axel Witsel who was involved in an horrific tackle earlier this season, check youtube, too horrific to be posted here.
UPDATE – 13:00 – Seems Shorey is destined for Fulham on a season’s long loan, must presume Bouma will be fit.
UPDATE – 13:30 – Shorey confirmed loan deal to Fulham
Joaquín Boghossian, Razak Boukari and other transfer window rumours
We enter the final week of the transfer window when I really do not expect much action from Villa but I will update this page of any rumours in the Sunday papers (as you may know Newsnow no longer carries some of the papers).
Craig Gardner on the verge of leaving and we have seen links this week with Curtis Davies and NRC on loan to Celtic and an intriguing one with Joaquín Boghossian of Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina.
Boghossian is a U21 forward whose record in South America is very good and tracked by a number of clubs in Europe and we have been linked with him. Of course this is not the model type of signing that MON does but would excite quite a few fans, can not see it myself, MON prefers proven forwards and preferably PL experience.
Sunday Mirror reports we are battling over Lens 22 year old Razak Boukari who is a Togo attacking midfielder and rated at £3m, Everton are also interested in Lens apparently 2009 player of the year.
NOTW reports we are after Mike Pollitt the Wigan reserve keeper to cover for the two Brad’s of course if they had done their research properly they would know we have Andy Marshall for that.
Also the NOTW reports that MON has ruled out any possible loan deal for Curtis Davies (never believed it myself)
O’Neill said: “I wouldn’t be in a position to loan out players at this stage of the season
The link below rounds up all the links this winter.
BREAKING NEWS : Gardner to join Blues, unlucky for him
Blues OS has just announced he will join Blues subject to medical and personal terms for £3m
They claim he will join his ‘boyhood heroes’ the club he supported as a boy, this has far as I know is total rubbish as he had a season ticket at VP and always supported us. Just a tawdry attempt by the Blues to convince their own sceptical fans, just horrible.
Good luck Craig you will need it there
MON denies any Boyd link, HURRAH
Great news from today’s press conference
O’Neill said: “I don’t know if players are at football games but the other part I can definitely comment on. I was quite surprised to see the story that he is signing for us.
“Of course, I know the player very well indeed. He was in Scotland when I was in charge of Celtic – but there isn’t any truth in it.”
I must say that gets a big cheer from me and allows the Blues a clear run at best an average player, at worse a total waste in the PL
However today it appears that Habib Beye and Craig Gardner are very close to leaving Villa Park when this happens will this leave space for another signing ?
Will Habib Beye Leave
According to Frenchvillalova on Villatalk
Habib Beye will sign for Sunderland. It’s a Done Deal.
I’m no ITK-his agent’s just confirmed it on French radio.
Not a big loss if IMO.
Would make some sense if true, hardly getting a look in
Weekend Transfer Links – Gardner bid rejected
As you may be aware, Newsnow has now been blocked to linking to a few of the papers (please see the ‘right to link’ image on the left of this blog), thus a lot of the Sunday speculation does not get publicised. So therefore please keep checking this post for the weekend updates as they happen.
Usually on a Saturday night the NOTW is first up with any links and today we have none (it has been a quiet window for speculation). Instead the paper is reporting that there is little money to be spent and we have to sell to buy, this is a story been around for a while in other papers. MON is quoted as saying
O’Neill said: “I would like the squad to be stronger if possible but that might not be possible.
“Randy Lerner is very enthusiastic but he isn’t going to be reckless.
“Do I share his principles? I am a football manager. At every single club I have been at I have worked to the budget I have been given. I haven’t changed here.
“If we had to pay a bit more money for some player I would make sure he proved his value like Ashley Young has or I would make sure we would get recompense in some other direction.
So not exactly saying no money but we need to have value, MON goes onto to say the financial climate is very tight and teams have to ‘take stock’.
SUNDAY
No further links at all, trawled the newspaper sites and nothing at all, would indicate no incoming moves at Villa
As I just got back from the game I heard that Villa have officially rejected a bid from Blues for Craig Gardner but I am sure that this deal will happen for around £4m.
Where art thou Mysteryman ?
They seek him here, they seek him there
Those Villans seek him everywhere
Is he in heaven or is he in hell?
That demned elusive Mysterman
One of the joys of the transfer windows is what forum posters called ITK (in the know’s), those are people who claim to have special secret inside information and sometimes they actually do have it ! The Spurs ITK’s on super secret COYS site are a joy to read and laugh at.
So for the last couple of windows we have had own ITK on Villatalk and H&V, his name ‘mysterman’. Some people do write him off but he has proved to be right with many signings (Dunne, Downing) that for me he is the ‘real deal’.
So this transfer window the big question is where is he ?
He has disappeared and we miss him
Was he MON ?
Was he ‘The General’ ?
Was he Henry the mild mannered janitor ?
We may never know but for certain the lack of transfer rumour from Villa Park and his disappearance may indicate nothing will happen at all, which is a shame.
(By the way as for ITK’s who will ever forget the day Defoe was in every hotel around Birmingham about to sign ?)
Sunday Transfer Talk – Milner and Heskey
As the latest batch of Sunday papers and their sometimes ludicrous transfer talk start to be published it seems MON at yesterday’s press conference once again indicated few moves for Villa.
This quote is the most significant one
Players generally these days know before managers and if there is someone adamant about leaving, then I’d have to take that as I find it. Would I rule out buying anyone? I’d have to answer ‘yes’ at this moment.
It would seem from this we can rule out moves for players as MON seems to be happy with the current squad. But it does back up a recent quote that the only moves will be if someone leaves and that is not ruled out with the above statement.
MON also ruled out that he had bid for any player when specifically asked about the Robbie Keane speculation.
With possible fixture congestion it would show he has some faith in the backup quality we have, especially Fabian Delph and Nathan Delfouneso to carry more of the burden than in the first half of the season.
First up today is the News of The World with a story that James Milner may be offerred a new and improved contract by Villa to ward of interest, from guess who – Liverpool, yep that team that has no money, dear me.
The Guardian has a story about Heskey ot Chelsea to cover for Drogba as he is frustrated by the lack of first team chances at Villa. I guess if anyone at the Guardian had done their checks they would have found when fit Heskey is now first choice, would he be like that when Drogba returns from the ANC, ha ha ha
Keep up to date with the transfer news on this blog and the following page
Carew swap for Keane, sounds good.
As I posted last month a Carew swap for Robbie Keane makes sense for all parties at this stage.
Robbie Keane is the type of player we have wanted at Villa since MON has been at the club and Carew is starting to give the appearance of wonderlust again.
So today the Daily Star has published speculation that a deal could be in the offering for Robbie Keane to come to Villa Park in exchange for Carew plus £5m. If this was in any way true then I would snap their hand off within seconds and ‘seal the deal’.
Carew’s time at Villa Park is up, contrast his performances now to just 8 months ago and something is wrong and we need Robbie Keane to push on.
This deal is an obvious one in waiting.
Players in and out – Sunday Transfer round up
“We are hoping to get a couple of players in because it is a long season ahead of us.”
This quote is from MON on Sky Sports today which for me is a contrast to the quotes he gave a few weeks ago.
“I wouldn’t see at this minute us being active in bringing players in January. Things change, but as we speak I don’t think we will be bringing people in unless somebody left the club”
So we go into the next few weeks with maybe a clearer indication of what could happen, maybe more outs than in but I am certain we are looking strongly.
There are further strong rumours of Gardner leaving Villa Park and his absence today seems to confirm these, I hope he has the sense to go to wolves and not the dark side ! Of course Shorey yesterday had his loan deal to Forest extended yesterday which will be likely to result in a permanent move.
MON also said yesterday that he takes no notice of the rumours linking Heskey with Liverpool however if he is looking to bring players in then you have to suspect that as per his previous statement that maybe the rumour is stronger than we and MON may lead us to believe.
Especially as links with Liverpool and Chelsea are in the News of the World and Daily Mail tonight.
The Daily Star has now linked Carew to a move to Liverpool.
Of course please keep up to date with all the rumours here.
Transfer Window opens in 24 hours
The fun and games that is the transfer window opens in less that 24 hours.
Keep up to date with all the rumours linking Villa here in one handy link.
Already a fair few names have been linked, the latest being Scott Parker. In this window I expect a few to leave (Gardner & Shorey being obvious names) not so sure as MON said a weeks or so ago for any new names in.
We shall see as the usual mixture of truth, half truths and downright lies start to swing into full action
Sunday Transfer rumours and made up stories
First off the block, the NOTW linking us with a defender – Marcel Schafer from Wolfsburg for £8m after we sent to scouts to recent games. Right then, tell me the strongest part of our team and the place we need no cover. Made up would you reckon ? By the way he is a leftback, we have a far better one in our team at present.
They then resurrect the Heskey link with Liverpool and a stranger one linking Heskey with a move to Stoke. I could see Heskey leaving only if we could get Kenwyne Jones
Transfer speculation round up
Just a reminder that since the blog started I have kept track of all the gossip and rumours that surround Villa. When you read the page, you can just see how many links there have been and just how many are rubbish and unfounded.
Of course as January 1st approaches quickly the links will start to ramp up and like today’s one with a Green/Freidel swap just how many are simply made up.
Carew’s agent (Per A Flod) speaks and denies nothing
In the telegraph in an article headlined ‘Carew not joing Fernebahce’
Well lets look at it
Martin O’Neill, the Villa manager, has ruled out the possibility of the striker leaving in the approaching transfer window, while Carew’s own agent has dismissed the speculation.
no actual quotes from MON in article.
The Norwegian had been linked with a £5 million move to the Turkish club, but his representative, Per A Flod, said that speculation was pre-emptive.
not incorrect though
“Something will happen during the summer of 2010, either an extension or a transfer,” he said.
“John might also play out his contract, but I don’t think Aston Villa are interested in that. It’s no news that Fenerbahce wants John, that has been known for three years now.”
again no real denial is it ? In fact some very interesting news we were not aware of. Especially the bit about us not being interesting which backed up yesterday’s original Mirror story.
In fact I would say that this story backed up the Mirror’s story from yesterday and would indcate to me we would be interested in a deal at any time if we can get a quality replacement.
Keane swap for Carew, makes sense.
The latest rumour in the Mirror today about John Carew to Ferenbahce is the latest in a long list of rumours about Carew. Whilst he is true that he scores goals and is a great fans favourite, I also have seen the last couple of games how effective we can be with Heskey up front because he always gives 100% unlike Carew.
We can never be sure with Carew if we will get a Bolton performance or the majority we see this season which effectively leaves us one player short, because of this if Carew has to go then so be it. So therefore if there is any truth in a Mirror rumour (hardly likely) then lets looks at what could happen.
The style of football we saw against Portsmouth and Hull since Milner’s positional change and Downing starting is based on a fast fluid system with mostly balls to the feet. The first 20 minutes against Hull was as good as anything we have seen from a MON side. Heskey in this role is far better but does not score goals so who else is available as I would only let Carew go if a suitable replacement can be found.
I have the ideal player for us, he can control the ball with the ball at his feet and through skill and quick feet is very good at holding up the ball . He also has an excellent top flight scoring record of 145 goals in 398 games and is a player we should have brought years ago.
If rumours are true then Spurs are looking for a new centre forward (Van Nisterroy is heavily linked) and ROBBIE KEANE is clear out of favour with Redknapp as Crouch appears to be first choice. Keane for me would be perfect for Villa as he offers experience, goals and mobility to our front line. Also I think we could get him on the ‘cheap’ at around £10m because of his age and being out of favour.
He would be my number one clear target.
Carew to Fenerbahce by Nicko
You can the winter window is approaching when you see stories linking a move for John Carew away from VP.
The Mirror are reporting that John Carew is in discussions over a £5m move in the winter. I have never hidden my doubts over Carew and frankly the last two games he has been out of the side we have looked much better.
So in fact despite him being a ‘fans favourite’ which means nothing to me I would sell him now IF (and this is the massive proviso) that we have a better replacement lined up and that may prove to be the difficult bit.
By the way the article is written by Alan Nixon who on Blackburn forums is known as Nicko and has been known to get a fair amount of inside info right but it has to be said as well, wrong.
There is no doubt this would split fans opinions.
Transfer rumour and made up lies
Ok on this site since the summer I have kept a track of all the rumours and they numbered somewhere near 120. I would look at some of them and just wonder how the journalist involved would have the bare-faced cheek to print some of them.
Well the recent Jermaine Pennant rumour is just the kind that makes you wonder if clubs could actually sue for such bare-faced lies. We do not usually deny rumours as quick as we did with this one and that should tell you everything.
The basic facts as we know is that do we need a right winger ??
Well anyone with half a brain will know with Milner, Young, Downing and the very exciting Albrighton in the ‘wings’ that is an area we have well covered.
So to suggest a £2.5m bid is just a lie and designed only to generate web hits and to stir up the flames of the fans but one day someone will really sting them and I hope I am there to see it !!
Reflections on the Transfer Window
As the transfer window opened in May I posted the following two comments
Back again and lets look at the future
I got some things right but I over estimated how much we would have to spend in this window.
So how do we reflect on this window.
Lets get the negative out of the way, for me we have missed a massive trick in not getting Tuncay, we needed some flair in the attacking midfield position and cover for the forwards and I really feel he could have done the trick for us. Were we interested in him, I think so but have no answer why we did not make a proper bid ?
The positives are many
1) Dunne represents the leadership we have lacked since Laursen left and Collins increases a lot the strength in depth for the Centre backs
2) Beye will prove himself a very good player we have seen signs of that already.
3) Downing represents a very good deal and when fit gives us massive strength in depth
4) Delph is one for the future for me a possible england star for the 2014 world cup
5) Warnock is for me one of the top left backs in the PL with Shorey as backup we are now very strong on the left hand side.
In terms of the outs well enough has been said about Barry and Knight for £4.5m was a fantastic sell to be replaced by in my view a much better player
So this has been a good window, we have increased the squad depth a lot, look at the bench against Fulham, the question is whether up front we have enough strength in depth, as usual time will tell.
Transfer Deadline Update – Dunne transfer not yet confirmed – PL received papers with an hour to go
09:00 – Nicky Shorey due to go to Portsmouth on a season long loan
– Supposed Villa target David Bentley heading to Manchester City
– Richard Dunne due to have medical today
11:00 – SSN have seen James Collins at Bodymoor Heath
13:30 – OS confirms fee agreed for James Collins
– SSN saying deal has been done (except they confused reserve forward James Collins with the other one !!)
14:10 – SSN understand that Newcastle and Hull aare ‘battling it out’ for the signature of Harewood on loan
16:00 – James Collins signs official on OS
16:20 – SSN reports that Shorey proposed loan deal has hit a ‘snag’
- No news on confirmation of Dunne’s transfer
19:00 – As at this time the Dunne transfer has not been confirmed by the PL as the paperwork was sent in very close to the deadline
19:10 – SSN reports that the transfer slightly delayed as paperwork was sent with an hour to go and they need to go through it to confirm.
SSN – Villa bid for James Collins
Sky Sports News reporting that ‘sources’ have said we have bid for James Collins from West Ham
A bid has been made ?
This is as a few papers were saying and goes along with the Dunne deal being nearly completed and it would mean Davies can finally have his operation which may be out for 3-6 months and the cover is needed.
Collins has been a bit injury prone for West Ham but when fit has been first choice and is rated by the Hammer’s fans as a no nonsense solid central defender.
BREAKING NEWS – Fee agreed for Richard Dunne
Mad day just before an importnant match but OS just announced fee agreed for Richard Dunne and he will travel down for talks
BREAKING NEWS : Villa confirm talks with Warnock
The OS has just confirmed we are in talks with Blackburn over Warnock
Warnock to Villa within 24 hours ?
It has just been annoucned that Blackburn have agreed a £2m fee with Spurs for Pascal Chimbonda.
This must pave the way for Stephen Warnock to join us within the next 24 hours.
Distin hands in transfer request and possible bid
The Sun is reporting today that Slyvain Distin has handed in a transfer request at Portsmouth.
This will come as no surprise to anyone, because we know Distin has to move for his last big pay day and his career.
I said before he had agreed to joined us two months ago but Pompey refused to play ball (as is their right), hopefully we can conclude the deal quickly now.
EDIT : 12:00 – Sky Sports News Understand we have ‘made a bid’ for Distin
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