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

[TheSandman]

It's not their decision to make though.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

McAllister added: "All the decisions will be taking place after the final game of the season and we see what our final league position is.

"Then we will try and start putting things into operation. It's going to be a busy time getting organised for next season.

"The full schedule for pre-season training has been done and Gerard has got all these lists of targets and decisions on players who might not be part of the plans moving forward."

When asked if Houllier had spoken to him about next season, McAllister said: "Absolutely. Everything that Gerard says to me points to him being here and that's just the way he is."



And sit back and watch them froth.....

Surely if Houllier has been allowed to already complete the pre season training schedule. Lerner has already decided to keep him as manager. Along with making transfer targets and decidng who he wants to leave. I think we now know he is going nowhere .....

[placeforparks]

from the daily star...

Aston Villa to provide Ben Foster home

ASTON VILLA are set to make an audacious £10m move for England exile Ben Foster.

Villa are looking for a replacement for veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who is expected to quit the club this summer when his current contract runs out.

Villa believe Foster, who has temporarily called time on his England career to concentrate on club football, is the obvious choice – especially if Birmingham are relegated tomorrow.

Brum would demand at least £10m and while they would be reluctant to sell to their bitter rivals, deals between the two Birmingham clubs have taken place regularly in the past, although nearly always in the opposite direction.

Foster, 28, is also a target of Tottenham, whose manager Harry Redknapp will be able to have another close look at the keeper tomorrow when the two clubs meet at White Hart lane.

Foster has been in exceptional form since his £6m move from Manchester United exactly a year ago, winning the club’s Player of the Year award.

However, he  expressed fears earlier this week that Brum may have to sell some of their top players if they fail to beat the drop.
 
Although Tottenham could match any offer for Foster, who is wanted as a replacement for the erratic Heurelho Gomes, the Birmingham keeper would almost certainly prefer to stay in the Midlands.
 
His family live there, he only recently moved to the area from Cheshire and he is due to marry girlfriend Kate smith next month.

[Concrete John]

Surely if Houllier has been allowed to already complete the pre season training schedule. Lerner has already decided to keep him as manager. Along with making transfer targets and decidng who he wants to leave. I think we now know he is going nowhere .....

As far as I can see what he's doing is making plans.  Anyone can make plans.  Look through this thread and you'll see dozens of us drawing up our summer ins and outs.  With the possible exception of some of the more obvious outs I think it's when something actually happens, such as us buying a player or training starting, that we'll know he's 100% staying.   

[SashasGrandad]

According to this report, Villa have given up hope of keeping Ash:-

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/863915-ashley-young-given-green-light-to-join-man-united-or-liverpool-by-aston-villa

Is he going to replace he who can't be named?

Allegedly....

Or should this be on twitter!

[Greg N'Ash]

10m for Foster!??  Can't see that happening.

[Dave]

Sounds about right to me.

He cost Blues £6m when his stock was pretty low and he's been great for them this season. Don't see why they would sell him for any less than that.

[Shrek]

Sounds about right to me.

He cost Blues £6m when his stock was pretty low and he's been great for them this season. Don't see why they would sell him for any less than that.

For some reason I'd rather have Kushak than Foster.(sorry for the spelling)

[Greg N'Ash]

Don't think he's any better than Green for me, and at that price i'd probably look to bring in a foreign 'keeper

[Salsa Party Animal]

With 10 millons for a goalkeeper, no. I think we should sign Robinso for 6 millionsn plus Westwood  on free and let them fight for no 1 shirt.

[Marlon From Bearwood]

How much would Given cost? Maybe worth a gamble if only £3-5m ish.

I like Foster but £10m seems a bit too much. Robinson would be ok, but I wouldn't want Green.

[luke25]

I would'nt touch Foster, especially not at 10m, he's invaluable to a team like Blues or Watford were they're constantly under pressure but he was extremely dodgy at Man Utd were he did'nt have much to do, were somewhere inbetween the two so would need a more commanding keeper and not just a decent shot stopper, hope that makes sense as I don't think i've worded it to well.

[BedsVillain]

£10m is way too much for Foster, would much prefer Robinson and imagine he wouldn't cost that much, especially if we use one of our outcasts as a make weight. £10m would probably buy an international class of keeper on the continent, Steklenberg, Handanovic or Mandana.
Wouldn't want to give the Scum any money towards their campaign back to the Premier League!

[Concrete John]

With 10 millons for a goalkeeper, no. I think we should sign Robinso for 6 millionsn plus Westwood  on free and let them fight for no 1 shirt.

Robinson is just as good and still relatively young in keeper terms, so would represent much better value for money.

[abc123cox]

Robinson, Given or Foster for me...

however i think Brad has one more season in him.... he has been brilliant for us this year and we would surely be relegated if it wasn't for him!