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

[VillaZogmariner]

According to Gulf News we are leading the chase to sign Al Habsi. I didn't realise Budgie was his mentor though, and some cracking quotes from him (just a shame he can't count properly! )-

Asked for a reaction on his protégé's linking to his old club, Burridge said: "It would be an unbelievably fantastic move for Ali. Villa is a massive club, the biggest club in the country's second biggest city. They get attendances of 65,000 every week. The expectation at Villa is to win. It's a huge step up from Wigan and Bolton where the key is just survival. When I went there at 21 I couldn't handle the pressure but Ali's 29 now. Ali has the presence to handle the pressure the higher it gets. He'd be perfect for Villa, Arsenal, United, anyone."

Ali's elder brother, Ahmad Al Habsi, who serves as his negotiator, said: "Maybe it is his destiny that he joins Villa, maybe he is following Budgie's past. But there's nothing official yet he's just enjoying his holiday having arrived in Oman on Sunday night."

[Des Little]

65,000 every week?  Yeah of course we do

[Shrek]

He has looked really good, but i haven't seen enough to know weather he is consistent enough.

[jimmygreen]

65,000 every week?  Yeah of course we do

Did we fill the corners in while I wasn't looking?

[JUAN PABLO]

Al Hasbi didnt do too good for ash young's free kick.. 

[cdbearsfan]

"Burridge was a cult icon at Villa between 1975 and 1978. He won the league cup in 1977. He was forced out the club after popping an inflated sick bag over coach Ron Saunders head just as their plane was due to land as he shouted "bang!" Saunders, who apparently didn't see eye to eye with Burridge, was a nervous flier."

I never knew that.

[TheSandman]

I've always rated Al Habsi.

I watched him play around 4 or 5 years back in what was his first game for Bolton against Bayern Munich and he put in a superb performance. It was just unfortunate he was stuck behind Jaaskelinen in the pecking order there. Been pretty decent for Wiggum this season.

Gotta love Budgie. Daft as a brush but a true character.

[enigma]

"Burridge was a cult icon at Villa between 1975 and 1978. He won the league cup in 1977. He was forced out the club after popping an inflated sick bag over coach Ron Saunders head just as their plane was due to land as he shouted "bang!" Saunders, who apparently didn't see eye to eye with Burridge, was a nervous flier."

I never knew that.

That's brilliant!

I'd be more than happy with Al Habsi. One of the most consistent keepers in the league. Reminds me a lot of Jaaskelainen actually.

[mcgrath_85]

Don't we need a manager in place before we think about signing a certain player or getting rid of one? If any of these rumours have any credibility, then it look like Monsieur Houllier is hear to stay. Otherwise, who is looking at these players?

[Dante Lavelli]

Don't we need a manager in place before we think about signing a certain player or getting rid of one? If any of these rumours have any credibility, then it look like Monsieur Houllier is hear to stay. Otherwise, who is looking at these players?

We are, the fans. 

Speculation, imaginary war chests, un-named sources, double swoops and formations scribbled on bits of scrap paper are the football fan's oxygen during the close season until the "transfer window slams shut" (TM Sky sports).

[gerags]

Don't we need a manager in place before we think about signing a certain player or getting rid of one? If any of these rumours have any credibility, then it look like Monsieur Houllier is hear to stay. Otherwise, who is looking at these players?

Or who is releasing the unwanted playing staff ?

[IRISHPHIL]

i think signings will be walker for right back, al habsi as goalkeeper, oscar wednt as left back, michael bradley centre midfield and boumsong ( spurs ) at centre baack

[Dante Lavelli]

I would like to see us make a move for Hoillet (or players of that ilk).  He is young and likely to improve.  He would not come with expectations to play every week.  According to this article he only has 12 months left on his contract so he would be relatively cheap too.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/05/30/newcastle-set-for-a-battle-over-david-hoilett-72703-28788222/

[citizenDJ]

i think signings will be walker for right back, al habsi as goalkeeper, oscar wednt as left back, michael bradley centre midfield and boumsong ( spurs ) at centre baack

Do you mean Bassong? If so, then we could do a lot worse.

[mcgrath_85]

Don't we need a manager in place before we think about signing a certain player or getting rid of one? If any of these rumours have any credibility, then it look like Monsieur Houllier is hear to stay. Otherwise, who is looking at these players?

Or who is releasing the unwanted playing staff ?

I think it had been decided way before Houllier fell ill that the vast majority of those players would be leaving. Those decideing being Houllier and the hierarchy. The exceptions would be Reo Coker and Friedel. Both of them, in fairness knew they would be leaving unless a considerable contract improvement was offered. It didn't come their way, and I think most of us understand why.
The exodus was already in the pipeline regardless of who the manager is, or who it's going to be! It surely cannot work like this in relation to the addition of players!