January Transfer Window - Rumours, Links, B*llsh*t and Made-Up Nonsense

[Chris Smith]

I think it is safe to assume that we're not going to be in a position to pay Shay Given's wages. Not that we need to, the form of Friedel mean that there are far more pressing concerns that goalie.

[pauliewalnuts]

Given is a great goalkeeper, but that's not really a position near the top of priorities at the moment.

[sfx412]

Given would be a good buy, even now, despite the form of Friedel.

[Concrete John]

I think it is safe to assume that we're not going to be in a position to pay Shay Given's wages. Not that we need to, the form of Friedel mean that there are far more pressing concerns that goalie.

You might have said the same about Ireland, but he got a pay off from Man City and signed for us.  It's mainly due to the players desire to play football, which I think Given has, so It may be a possibility.

I agree it's not a priority, but I've always said summer 2011 is when we'll need to either promote Guzan or sign a new number 1, so if he's available in Jan it might be worth jumping the gun a bit!

[curiousorange]

I think we're pretty much all in agreement that Little Brad won't make the grade in the Premier and so while it's not considered a priority in January, if Given is touted to clubs in the transfer window Villa have to buy him because he's a brilliant keeper and we will need one, because I'd be astonished if Friedel doesn't hang up his gloves.

[Chris Smith]

I think it is safe to assume that we're not going to be in a position to pay Shay Given's wages. Not that we need to, the form of Friedel mean that there are far more pressing concerns that goalie.

You might have said the same about Ireland, but he got a pay off from Man City and signed for us.  It's mainly due to the players desire to play football, which I think Given has, so It may be a possibility.

I agree it's not a priority, but I've always said summer 2011 is when we'll need to either promote Guzan or sign a new number 1, so if he's available in Jan it might be worth jumping the gun a bit!

Without knowing the figures involved I'm assuming that as Given was a signing rather than a youth prouduct and senior pro not a youngster he would be on significantly more than Ireland was. If we're in the business of trimming the wage bill then he's probably out of our range at the moment.

[Concrete John]

I think Ireland was reported to be on £80,000 a week there.  As one of the early domestic signings under Hughes, before they went totally mental, I doubt he's on much more than that.

[Simon Ward]

Please buy Shay Given

[Mazrim]

I'm still not sure whether Guzan will make it or not. So in the meantime I would rather get a long term number 1 who doesnt have question marks hanging over him. Some of you are saying its not a priority. Presumably then you will be comfortable with Guzan stepping in if anything happens to Friedel.

I wouldn't panic as such, but a long term top keeper would be up one of the first three things I'd do, say. After new class defensive midfielder and striker. Then it would be new keeper and fullback cover.

[Toronto Villa]

As much as I agree that we have other pressing needs than goalkeeper, Given would represent the next 10 years of solid goalkeeping. His stock may be at it's lowest point since joining Man City which may equate to the price being a lower than it would have been last season. If the opportunity presents it should be a consideration irrespective of how Friedel is playing. As an aside, how he's not an Arsenal player mind you consideration all of their issues in net is astonishing to me.

[Chico Hamilton III]

Given would represent the next 10 years of solid goalkeeping

assuming he plays until he's 45

[Salsa Party Animal]

Shay Given would be excellent addition. But we doesn't need him and at 34 I would rather buy someone in mid 20s for longer term investment.

[Merv]

I'd say we can reply on Friedel for the rest of this season - we'll have had three seasons out of him by then, which is a good return considering his age when we signed him. So, goalkeeper becomes a priority in the summer, Given could/will be available in January... the GK situation will need assessing sooner than some think.

[OCD]

I'm still not sure whether Guzan will make it or not. So in the meantime I would rather get a long term number 1 who doesnt have question marks hanging over him. Some of you are saying its not a priority. Presumably then you will be comfortable with Guzan stepping in if anything happens to Friedel.

I wouldn't panic as such, but a long term top keeper would be up one of the first three things I'd do, say. After new class defensive midfielder and striker. Then it would be new keeper and fullback cover.

You know the youth team as well as anyone Maz - don't we have a young lad who could be top class (Ben Siegerst I think)? I would have thought it best to get a year or two more out of Brad until he's ready rather than buying someone who could only stand in his way.

[Captain Trips]

I know it wont happen, but how about cash plus Friedel for Given? I would think Brad would be on a not too dissimilar wage to Given and Man City would be getting a replacement of equal ability for the rest of the season at least. Not that Brad would want to go as back up tho', but he would get European and cup games.