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

[JJ-AV]

The romantic in me says go and get: Cahill, Lescott, Milner, Hitzlsperger and Sturridge. All with their own Villa connection.

[cdbearsfan]

Fine with that except don't want Hitzlsperger or Cahill. Well, I would have Cahill back, but not for more than £10 million which means they wouldn't accept it. Hitzlsperger is a decent player, with a good shot. He's not top six material, otherwise he would have been able to hold down a place in the Lazio and/or the Germany teams.

[Exeter 77]

Who have Albion signed?

Gareth McCauley from Ipswich.

[TheSandman]

The only one of those lot I'd have would be Sturridge.

Milner would be expensive and plays in a position where we are pretty strong so to sign him rather than defenders or a holding player would be a bit silly. Cahill I've covered already. Lescott would be quite expensive and is overrated. Indeed, like Cahill his entire reputation is built on being a defender who gets the odd goal rather than his defending which I've always found to be suspect. Hitz might make a decent squad player but might be a big earner so that counts him out for me.

[Caiphus]

Did we have a first refusal clause on Cahill?
Why can't we go for someone like Akinfeev as a keeper or look on the continent...

[KevinGage]

Fine with that except don't want Hitzlsperger or Cahill. Well, I would have Cahill back, but not for more than £10 million which means they wouldn't accept it. Hitzlsperger is a decent player, with a good shot. He's not top six material, otherwise he would have been able to hold down a place in the Lazio and/or the Germany teams.

He was a regular in the Stuttgart side and captained them for a time, too. So he must have held a place down for a while.

He's not the future (in saying that, he's still only 29) but he'd give us depth and a few options. Not just squad filler for the sake of it either, he probably has better dead ball ability than anyone in our current line up, would score more goals than most of our current CM's and so forth.

[Caiphus]

Fine with that except don't want Hitzlsperger or Cahill. Well, I would have Cahill back, but not for more than £10 million which means they wouldn't accept it. Hitzlsperger is a decent player, with a good shot. He's not top six material, otherwise he would have been able to hold down a place in the Lazio and/or the Germany teams.

He was a regular in the Stuttgart side and captained them for a time, too. So he must have held a place down for a while.

He's not the future (in saying that, he's still only 29) but he'd give us depth and a few options. Not just squad filler for the sake of it either, he probably has better dead ball ability than anyone in our current line up, would score more goals than most of our current CM's and so forth.

Downing, Bannan and Delph are probably enough left footers though.  Even though I think Hitz could be converted to a decent attacking full-back he would still only be cover.  We need at least 2 creative right footed players and someone with a big tank and aerial ability for our midfield anchor.

[Dante Lavelli]

I have known many many famous and rich people. In fact, my boss who I worked in the same office has now been classed as the richest personality in this country  - and I can tell you straight, it don't matter how much money or fame you have got - your kids want your daddy with them - not lots of expensive toys.

You worked in the same office as Lakshmi Mittal?

Lakshmi Mittal's chef often stays at my parent's B&B when Mittal is staying at his castle near Silverstone.  He often comes over to the village to drink in the local pub.  For the entire time he is there, his driver sits outside with the engine running on his massive car in case he has to make an emergency getaway.

My mum says that the chef makes the best curry she has ever tasted.

Transfers.  Pffft.

[Mister E]

Fine with that except don't want Hitzlsperger or Cahill. Well, I would have Cahill back, but not for more than £10 million which means they wouldn't accept it. Hitzlsperger is a decent player, with a good shot. He's not top six material, otherwise he would have been able to hold down a place in the Lazio and/or the Germany teams.

He was a regular in the Stuttgart side and captained them for a time, too. So he must have held a place down for a while.

He's not the future (in saying that, he's still only 29) but he'd give us depth and a few options. Not just squad filler for the sake of it either, he probably has better dead ball ability than anyone in our current line up, would score more goals than most of our current CM's and so forth.

Play him at LB (where he played for Stuttgart and Germany) and he might be worth a punt.

[UsualSuspect]

Regardin Foster and his attitude (sighting the international retirement thing) I want to put a different angle on that. Now, I haven't a clue why he gave up, and , for all i know, he could be a total pillock. But going on what he said, which was basically, he plays football for 9 months a year and his family deserve time, rather than him then playing the other three months.

I have to say, I do have sympathy with this. I don't know if he has young kids, but he is 28, so I would expect he has.

Now, yes he is a premier league (or was !!  ) footballer, who earns about 50000 per week, but try telling his , say 5 yr old kid that, and that he / she never sees her dad but dont worry because you will be rich when you grow up.

He may be a footballer, but he is also a human being and probably, a dad. You only get one chance of seeing your kids grow up, no matter if you are a billionaire, you can't have that time again.

So, if the reasons he gave are true, I fully understand, and in fact, admire him for putting his families life before his own glory.

But then again, I could be niaive !!

He finishes work at 3 or 4 everyday and has the summer off. I am pretty sure the mini Fosters aren't missing out too much!

3 or 4?

No chance

More like 12.30. i would be amazed if training lasts for more than 2 hours and that's not everyday.

That's why most footballers play golf just so they can waste 3 hours on an afternoon

[Dave]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, but if rumours are true and Hitz is available for free we would be absolutely mental not to bring him back.

[glasses]

If we were to shop purely in this country (which I doubt we will be solely shopping here, I just dont know/watch enough players from abroad to base an opinion on them), my shopping list would be Robinson, Enrique, Onouha, Sturridge. Then perhaps a young CB from the championship with something to prove to provide cover for Clark, Collins and Cuellar. Also a young winger as cover for Albrighton and Downing (would love to keep Ash, but think that ship has sailed)

So perhaps a line up of

Robinson
Onouha Cuellar Collins Enrique
Albrighton Makoun Delph Downing
Bent Sturridge

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

What’s that wingers name that played for Blackpool, speedy kid that I think they got from the lower divisions, mostly came on as a sub? He would be fairly cheap and would offer an option on the wing instead of Albrighton.

[BedsVillain]

I don't want to see Cahill return. Would prefer a CB with more experience, someone to be a leader next to young Clark. Mangane from Rennes, who we were linked to would be be a great choice, played in the tightest defence in Ligue 1 this year, he's a beast of a man too. Wouldn't mind Robert Huth either, he's 27 now and has matured into a decent player. Wins everything in the air. He could be the goal scoring CB we've missed since Laursen retired, 9 goals this season! With Clarks ability on the ball they could form a great partnership.

[pauliewalnuts]

What’s that wingers name that played for Blackpool, speedy kid that I think they got from the lower divisions.

Stanley Matthews?