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

[PeterWithesShin]

I was reading the Metro on the way home, and according to them GH is after Owen in Jan, if he fails to get him then he's going for Keane.

Villa may sign Owen or Keane

Although, on the same sports page they say that Owen may retire.

Owen may retire

[Concrete John]

If we can't get a long term striking target in Jan, then I'd accept Owen on a loan/6 month deal and then buy someone in the summer.

I wanted Keane in the summer just gone, but if we're playing one up front he'd need to be used in the Ash/Ireland position, so not sure it makes sense now.

[BedsVillain]

Was looking at all the players from abroad that will be out of contract next summer, therefore would be allowed to arange pre-contracts in January. Managed to make a decent team from the more realistic/worthwhile players.

……………………………..……Roman Weidenfeller ………………………………

Darijo Srna ….Philippe Mexθs....Andrea Barzagli....Taye Taiwo

………………………………….Mahamadou Diarra…………………………………

 Piotr Trochowski….Ivan Rakitic...Ibrahim Afellay….Juan Αngel Albνn

………………………………...…Alessandro Matri………………………………………..

I think any of these players would be a welcome addition and improvement to our current squad. Maybe they'd be available at knocked down prices in January if they haven't signed new deals by then.

[N'ZMAV]

I'd like a proven striker like Keane or Owen, that would be nice. But I don't think I want either of them. I'd rather have Pavlyuchenko. I also like Rodallega.

[Concrete John]

Not sure I'd class Rodallega as 'proven'!

[N'ZMAV]

He's not really. I'd like a proven striker & Rodallega.

[Merv]

Some good names on that list, BedsVillain. I've liked Srna and Rakitic since watching Croatia outclass England in the Euro 2008 qualifiers - though neither are really immediate priorities in terms of positions and types of player (Rakitic perhaps not the kind of midfielder we're really crying out for), they're both quality footballers and the calibre that we should be looking at.

As for Owen or Keane... I'd like to think we'll move on from both of them. In the summer, yes - but that was when we had a manager who we knew would rarely look outside of the UK. Neither player has done anything so far this season to suggest they'd be good for us; I hope GH is rather more open to the European/World transfer market and we might be able to snap up someone a little more exciting.

[BedsVillain]

Some good names on that list, BedsVillain. I've liked Srna and Rakitic since watching Croatia outclass England in the Euro 2008 qualifiers - though neither are really immediate priorities in terms of positions and types of player (Rakitic perhaps not the kind of midfielder we're really crying out for), they're both quality footballers and the calibre that we should be looking at.

I think Afellay could be a very good addition, although on a free, I imagine he'd have decent clubs lining up ready to offer him a very good wage! Mind you I thought there would be teams aplenty trying to get Hatem Ben Arfa this summer and he ended up at the barcodes!
Diarra would be a good in the short term, taking his age into consideration. Would be great to get him on loan in January, with the offer of a 2-3 year deal in the summer if he proves himself.
Weidenfeller is the other interesting name on there, very under rated keeper, just turned 30 so is probably in his prime now. Wouldn't grumble if he was to take the gloves off big Brad this summer, especially for nowt!

[Concrete John]

He's not really. I'd like a proven striker & Rodallega.

Sorry - get what you mean now!

[Dante Lavelli]

Affelay would be a great addition especially if Young is about to foxtrot oscar.  Surely worth a Bid in January.

[BedsVillain]

Affelay would be a great addition especially if Young is about to foxtrot oscar.  Surely worth a Bid in January.

That thought had crossed my mind as well DV! Would be nice to have the option of playing both though!

[KevinGage]

Keane has looked poor any time I've seen him this year.

In the rare few games he's started for Tottingham they've generally struggled to score -until he's subbed off and then the floodgates open.

He's been well off the pace for Ireland too.

Maybe it's just a lack of games and he's out of touch or maybe his career is on the slide and he's lost a crucial yard of pace and sharpness. Some players can be effective well into their mid 30's others go into rapid decline late 20's onwards.

Either way I don't think I'd chance him now.

I'm sure there are other players beyond these shores available on short term deals.
If we had to stick to this country Roque Santa Cruz for a few months might be better than a kick in the face. I'd be wary of taking on another forward with fitness issues mind.

[KevinGage]

Was looking at all the players from abroad that will be out of contract next summer, therefore would be allowed to arange pre-contracts in January. Managed to make a decent team from the more realistic/worthwhile players.

……………………………..……Roman Weidenfeller ………………………………

Darijo Srna ….Philippe Mexθs....Andrea Barzagli....Taye Taiwo

………………………………….Mahamadou Diarra…………………………………

 Piotr Trochowski….Ivan Rakitic...Ibrahim Afellay….Juan Αngel Albνn

………………………………...…Alessandro Matri………………………………………..

I think any of these players would be a welcome addition and improvement to our current squad. Maybe they'd be available at knocked down prices in January if they haven't signed new deals by then.

Always liked the look of  Albin at Getafe. Quality as a deep midfielder or second striker. Can also play wide too.

Not sure of his contract status but another Uruguayan -Castro at Mallorca- is also a quality player who rarely gets the plaudits he deserves.

[whipsy]

Think Owen would be a good signing, he is only 30 and although he was 'past his peak at 21' as he said today he could still do a job for us, Owen and Heskey reunited would be well worth watching till the summer!

[JUAN PABLO]

Afellay -   Barcalona are opening talks with him....     cross him off