Summer 2010 Transfer Thread: B*llsh*t, Rumours & Wishes

[Risso]

Talking to a couple of boro fans at the weekend and they reckon downing played his best football for them in central midfield and was hit and miss on the wing, maybe mon sees him as the answer if milner goes and is planning on mcgeady and ash out wide?

I would prefer 3 central midfielders and just ash out wide personally as our centre midfield were overun too many times last season , unless you have 2 extremely productive wingers then it's a luxury and I'd go for just one, giving ash the licence to roam either side.

Those Boro fans have realised that they've been relegated, right?

[OldUser]

Downing played well in central midfield at VP for boro. It's about the only fucking time the bone idle bastard has.

[Concrete John]

If Downing ever makes a centre midfield player I'll be amazed.  The thing is, if we are after McGeady then either Young or Downing will have to move inside.  The thought of it makes me shudder.

Or maybe we'll have one on the bench and apply a little bit of rotation?  We're all talking about a new striker coming in with Gabby and Carew, so if three players for two positions upfront why not in the wide areas?

[Villa'Zawg]

Yes please


Mathieu Flamini: Newcastle & Villa Chase £5M Former Gunner

Mathieu FlaminiReports in both France and Italy today claim that Aston Villa and Newcastle have made offers to sign AC Milan’s disgruntled former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini. The 26-year-old has endured a disappointing time in Italy since moving on a free transfer in 2008 as he’s struggled to maintain a first team place and often been forced to play as a full-back. After making just 14 league starts last season and losing his place in the French international squad, the player is expected to move.

Aston Villa have been linked with West Ham’s Scott Parker but cannot agree a fee and Martin O’Neill has now switched his attention to the far cheaper option of Flamini. Both Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker are expected to leave Villa Park this summer which leave the Villans lacking numbers in the middle of the park. The fact that Flamini has already proved he has what it takes to be a hit in the Premier League having starred for the Gunners makes him an excellent target. Chris Hughton is also preparing a bid but prefers an initial loan move with funds tight at Newcastle. The Magpies realise they need to add to the squad and Flamini’s excellent attitude and age fits the bill at the club look to cement their top flight status.

The Frenchman has complained of a lack of football and being played out of position at Milan but that is unlikely to be the case at either Newcastle or Aston Villa. The Toon have the likes of Alan Smith, Joey Barton, Danny Guthrie and Kevin Nolan but are looking to add to a relatively small squad.

Flamini has struggled at the San Siro to become a regular in the starting line-up. Last season the combative midfielder was limited to just 14 starts in 25 league appearances. As his stock has fallen at AC Milan his patience has also been wearing thin as his World Cup dreams disappeared. A move back to the Premier League where he excelled is viewed as just what the player needs to break back into Lauren Blanc’s international set-up.

AC Milan reportedly offered cash plus Flamini for Emmanuel Adebayor last summer but Man City’s straight cash offer was enough to tempt Arsene Wenger. The Gunners are thought not to be overly keen on bringing back a former player who left them for nothing only two seasons ago embarrassing the club in the process. However, due to his history in the red of Arsenal, both Chris Hughton and Martin O’Neill see the all action midfielder as the perfect signing to fill the centre of the park. The Frenchman’s tenacity and energy would be a huge boost for both Aston Villa and Newcastle this season.

Story - Clicky

[enigma]

I'd take Flamini over Parker any day. Especially for £5m.

[Greg N'Ash]

At 5m he'd be a steal i'd say.

[Jockey Randall]

Flamini for £5m would be the signing of the summer. Very much doubt it'll happen though
(excluding Cole on a free of course)

[Dave P]

Give AC Milan £16m and get Huntalaar as well.

[Mazrim]

Flamini, yes please. Fucking hell, that would make all kinds of sense. Especially for £5m.

[Malandro]

to get him for 5 million and 25 million for milner would be amazing.
Doubt it will happen, sure Wenger would have him back. Think the guy would also want a bigger club (don't shoot)

[VillaZogmariner]

It's a yes from me too.

[richard moore]

I'd say there have been lots actually.  Not all have been successful, but I'd say the following all showed more ambition or at least a desire to try and do something different:

Dean Saunders
Dalian Atkinson
Stan Collymore
Savo Milosevic
Sasa Curcic
Andy Townsend
JPA

Going further back I'd be tempted to throw in the loan signing of Didier Six from Mulhouse in 1984.

All good shouts in one sense. We just have differing definitions of 'ambitious' which is not a problem. And this is not the thread to discuss that anyway...

[Greg N'Ash]

He must be on big big money as well, after arriving on a free

[Chris Smith]

It's probably just unfounded speculation but Flamini would be a tremendous signing.

[Risso]

Flamini would be a great bit of business.  What's more, he seem s to have greg, me, Mazrim Chris and VD in total agreement, so he must be able to perform miracles!