Summer transfer rumours, speculation and out-and-out b*ll*cks.

[KevinGage]

Rodallega seems to be the classic one season wonder.

8 goals this season.  I think we could do better.

That kind of goal return might be OK if he was the type of player to bring others into play, either by creating goals or holding the ball up. But he's very much the individual.

[VillaZogmariner]

Schalke are eyeing Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel as they step up their search for Manuel Neuer's successor. Friedel, who turns 40 in May, is out of contract at the end of the season.

From the BBC Gossip page.

[Karl Bridges]

I know Doyle has a bad rep here due to his goal return but his hold up play is phenomenal, he takes the ball down from ridiculous angles and it's like the ball is glued to him. It's no coincidence that Wolves results since he got injured have been woeful. I think he could be a really good option as a foil for Bent, he's unselfish and really plays for the team.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I know Doyle has a bad rep here due to his goal return but his hold up play is phenomenal, he takes the ball down from ridiculous angles and it's like the ball is glued to him. It's no coincidence that Wolves results since he got injured have been woeful. I think he could be a really good option as a foil for Bent, he's unselfish and really plays for the team.

Always been put off by Doyle because of his shit goal ratio in the Premier, but now we've got Bent he could be a useful partner for him.
A definite upgrade on Heskey.

He'll be up for grabs when Wolves go down.

[spangley1812]

I know Doyle has a bad rep here due to his goal return but his hold up play is phenomenal, he takes the ball down from ridiculous angles and it's like the ball is glued to him. It's no coincidence that Wolves results since he got injured have been woeful. I think he could be a really good option as a foil for Bent, he's unselfish and really plays for the team.

Always been put off by Doyle because of his shit goal ratio in the Premier, but now we've got Bent he could be a useful partner for him.
A definite upgrade on Heskey.
He'll be up for grabs when Wolves go down.

Doyle and Jarvis would be excellent additions 

[WikiVilla]

Not sure about Doyle and Jarvis, they're never going to be Top 6 PL players, have looked good in a shite wolves side yes, thats about it. Same as Charlie Adam

We need class, not plodders

[Karl Bridges]

Looks like we could be seeing some early action in the transfer window.

From BBC

Gary McAllister said Aston Villa will cope with Gerard Houllier's absence from the club while the Frenchman recovers from a heart problem.

Manager Houllier, 63, left hospital on Thursday night, eight days after being admitted with chest pains.

He is almost certain not to return to Villa in an active role this season.

"It would be better if Gerard was here, but everything is in place for things to move on," stated assistant boss McAllister, who is in temporary charge.

"All these things that from the outside we seem to have to deal with over the next few weeks, we've been looking through already.

"Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made."

Scot McAllister, 46, added: "I agree with people who say the upheaval is unneeded but as a group we've become very close with the chairman [Randy Lerner] and chief executive [Paul Faulkner].

"There is a plan to move forward which is already there.

"As much as it would be ideal if Gerard was here, it can be done from his home because we're down the line on a few things.

"I don't have to give anything away, but I'm talking about people that might want to come here, people we want to try and attract here, people that want to stay, people that might have to find a club.

"We know the positions where we are strong but we also know where we need to strengthen. It's ongoing and you've got to be like that, you've got to be prepared to go into the market and get these deals through."

A significant question mark still remains over whether Houllier will return at all given his medical history - he underwent major heart surgery in 2001 while in charge of Liverpool.

McAllister said he was certain Houllier would come back, although he insisted there was "no rush" for the manager to make a decision over his future.

And the Scot added that the decision will be made "after he [Houllier] speaks to friends, family and people he respects but, most importantly, the doctors".

"I'm sure he'll be recovering over here where there will be people on hand to deal with any queries," McAllister added.

"If he's given the green light to go and gets some warmer weather if it helps, I don't know. He'll be guided by the experts."

[WikiVilla]

Reading between the lines, It looks like GED will be back at some point, Good news, continuity and stability are important for the club this summer

[Salsa Party Animal]

With time off the training ground due to health reason, he could have more time to think and plan for summer transfer activity. Which will work in our favour. He wouldn't switch off from football completely.

[Jimsta]

Not sure about Doyle and Jarvis, they're never going to be Top 6 PL players, have looked good in a shite wolves side yes, thats about it. Same as Charlie Adam

We need class, not plodders

I agree, Doyle, Jarvis and Rodallega would improve us but we need class, not squad players. I want to hear we are putting in bids for the best youngsters of europe like Lukaku, Now that is player for Bent to play off, I know the best teams in the prem are after him but never less just put in a bid you never know.

[Irish villain]

Kevin Doyle is class and I wouldn't describe him as a 'plodder'. He also has a great attitude and is the type of intelligent player GH seems to admire.

[Mister E]

Looks like we could be seeing some early action in the transfer window.

From BBC

Gary McAllister said Aston Villa will cope with Gerard Houllier's absence from the club while the Frenchman recovers from a heart problem.

Manager Houllier, 63, left hospital on Thursday night, eight days after being admitted with chest pains.

He is almost certain not to return to Villa in an active role this season.

"It would be better if Gerard was here, but everything is in place for things to move on," stated assistant boss McAllister, who is in temporary charge.

"All these things that from the outside we seem to have to deal with over the next few weeks, we've been looking through already.

"Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made."

Scot McAllister, 46, added: "I agree with people who say the upheaval is unneeded but as a group we've become very close with the chairman [Randy Lerner] and chief executive [Paul Faulkner].

"There is a plan to move forward which is already there.

"As much as it would be ideal if Gerard was here, it can be done from his home because we're down the line on a few things.

"I don't have to give anything away, but I'm talking about people that might want to come here, people we want to try and attract here, people that want to stay, people that might have to find a club.

"We know the positions where we are strong but we also know where we need to strengthen. It's ongoing and you've got to be like that, you've got to be prepared to go into the market and get these deals through."

A significant question mark still remains over whether Houllier will return at all given his medical history - he underwent major heart surgery in 2001 while in charge of Liverpool.

McAllister said he was certain Houllier would come back, although he insisted there was "no rush" for the manager to make a decision over his future.

And the Scot added that the decision will be made "after he [Houllier] speaks to friends, family and people he respects but, most importantly, the doctors".

"I'm sure he'll be recovering over here where there will be people on hand to deal with any queries," McAllister added.

"If he's given the green light to go and gets some warmer weather if it helps, I don't know. He'll be guided by the experts."

I'm hoping that all the ins and outs get done very early so that the club / squad can focus on next season and a new start. Sounds like that's what may well happen.

[Mazrim]

Doyle is a good player in every regard except one and most importantly, its goalscoring.
We dont have to settle for this. We can get a player who does all the hard work and weighs in with goals. Not an easy task but they are out there.
Of course, if he came in as a cheap squad option, great but that's not likely.

[Phil from the upper holte]

"All these things that from the outside we seem to have to deal with over the next few weeks, we've been looking through already.

"Whether it be attracting new players, or players coming to the end of their contract, a lot of decisions have already been made."
Scot McAllister, 46, added: "I agree with people who say the upheaval is unneeded but as a group we've become very close with the chairman [Randy Lerner] and chief executive [Paul Faulkner].

"There is a plan to move forward which is already there.

Interesting, This could mean A) Houllier is coming back or B) Gmac is going to take over (bad idea)

I can't see how we can bring new players in unless we know who manager is, we don't need another Ireland situation.

I guess players leaving is a bit easier Ie Warnock, beye

[unclefabio]

L'Equipe is reporting that we've approached Lorient attacking midfielder Morgan Amalfitano with "an exceptional financial offer".