The Milner Novela... Final episode page 296

[PaulTheVillan]

Never heard of this chap Boussoufa (sorry) - what's he all about?

Tiny is the first thing that comes to mind. Very similar to Ashley Young, goes down a lot, talented, fast and overall looks a good footballer.

Played for Cheski once and scores a lot of goals..

So did Carlton Cole and I most certainly don't want him anywhere near Villa Park.

If we did sign him we would probably have to play 5 across the midfield, as he's more your attacking midfielder or as those fancy Europeans refer to as the '10'. He doesn't appear to be your typical MON type player but then who knows, maybe Martin is looking to change things. I for one, certainly hope so.

His scoring record is no better than Carews.

[Dave]

His scoring record is no better than Carews.

If we're limiting ourselves to players with better scoring records than Carew's then we are working from a field of about six players, none of whom will be signing for us anytime soon.

[Merv]

His scoring record is no better than Carews.

Who's? Boussoufa's? He's a central midfield player, so I'd say his scoring rate is pretty good. Interesting option, anyway.

[Toronto Villa]

If Milner is going, which seems more and more likely now, it may as well be to Chelsea. I'd rather the player showed the ambition to further his career at club in the CL, then just take the cash. It will also be a massive V sign to Man City and that fucking arrogant 'nose they have working there. If the fee being reported is correct then that is tidy business for the club. If nothing else, the last few years of transfers has proved that NO club is big enough to keep its best players if they really want to move.

[Concrete John]

The thing about Chelsea is that despite winning the double, I'm not 100% convinced that Ancellotti's position is safe.  Roman wants the CL and with their aging side they need too much new blood into the club to have it all gell immediately to make that happen in 2011.  Milner has commented on all the managerial changes at Leeds and Newcastle and how the stability at Villa has suited him.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see BOTH Chelsea and Man City have different managers by the end of next season!

[Merv]

If Milner is going, which seems more and more likely now, it may as well be to Chelsea. I'd rather the player showed the ambition to further his career at club in the CL.

Absolutely. I could stomach him moving to the champions, I could stomach him going to Man U. No doubt, they're upward steps for him. But City? Sideways, really. Had Carew's shot dipped under the crossbar rather than hitting it at Eastlands, I'm convinced we'd have finished above City. That's why I hated seeing Barry go to City last summer.... and Southgate going to Boro, all those years ago. If we're going to lose our best players, at least they should end up playing at a higher level....

[H00513R]

I don't like this one bit. I know 30 mil is a lot of money, but unless we unearth some hidden talent or get going on the transfer market I think we'll be 10th next year. I hope that linked Belgian is good enough to fill Milner's boots.

[UK Redsox]

Its better for Villa if Milner goes to Chelsea. Its almost a dead-cert that they'll be above Villa anyway, whereas the club's in more direct competition with Man City

[pedro25]

I suppose the logic is we signed him for £12 mill, he's now worth £30m, Young for £9.65m, now worth c.£25m, therefore if we sign 3 £10mill players with the cash and they all turn out to be £30m players we'll be laughing and far stronger.  Even if only 1 of them turn into a £30m player then we have a £30 mill player and 2 £10 mill players instead of a £30m player so we are still stronger.

I think if Milner goes we must try and reinvest the majority of the money into younger players with the ability to become top players, there is no point in bringing in the equivalent of Davies , Downing and Reo Coker or we will go backwards

[PaulTheVillan]

If we sell Milner for £28m and/or Young for £25m then we're just turning into a top 6 version of Wigan.

[usav]

If we sell Milner for £28m and/or Young for £25m then we're just turning into a top 6 version of Wigan.

Without the top 6 part (if that happens)

[Chris Harte]

Part of me fears that paying £12M for a player and selling him for £28M might be considered a success.

[Mazrim]

The part of you that is Alan Sugar.

[Chris Harte]

The part of you that is Alan Sugar.

**shudder**

Sugar would be gloating at the prospect. I won't be, especially if it means we remain a top six club and no better.

[Ads]

There has been no second bid or any close deal, all jackanory apparently.