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

[PaulWinch again]

I'd take Milner back because he'd be a big improvement but his loyalty is questionable. He won't come back in any case, so it's all academic.

[CJ]

I'd love to see Milner back but just can't see it happening. If he moves on from Citeh it'll be to a club who can offer more than the mid-table mediocrity which seems to be our aim now.

As an alternative I'd like us to try and prise Scott Parker away from West Ham. Ok he's 30 now and may not want to move from London, but I think we'd have more chance of getting him than Milner and he'd be a great presence in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.

[not3bad]

I'd love to see Milner back but just can't see it happening. If he moves on from Citeh it'll be to a club who can offer more than the mid-table mediocrity which seems to be our aim now.

But wouldn't getting Milner back send out a message that we were aiming higher than mid table?

[charlie]

Milner on years loan, then, when he is re-established in England team, buy him. What does he lose, every midfield ''giant'' signed by sheik oojah puts him down the order, all the time his England chances diminish, can't be short of cash now, doubtful he will play champs league, wont for other champ league clubs either, come back and be a big fish James.

[Dante Lavelli]

*WARNING post starting with a big IF*

If Milner has decided that he wants first team football then villa might be better placed than most clubs. Some points for optimism:

1. It's EURO2012 year so he'll want playing time.
2. City are likely to sign more player.
3. They also think he is a winger
4. I don't think there is an England match which goes by where my everton, spurs, Liverpool supporting mates do not moan about Milner's selection. He is generally not that highly regarded by other fans (mainly because they only see him on the wing
5. I'm not sure the really top clubs would want him and the likes of Everton, Sunderland could afford him.

I'd suggest it is unlikely that it will happen but you never know, especially if Milner decides playing football regularly is more important than money.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

sportinglife.com

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is on the lookout for a replacement for Ashley Young to get the best out of striker Darren Bent.

Bent, a January signing from Sunderland, scored nine goals in 16 games for Villa last season, but relied heavily on the service of Young.

However, Young last week joined Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £17million.

And McLeish knows he has a job on his hands to replace the England international, not least to keep Bent amongst the goals.

He said: "Bent has been sensational but he needs the right service and we need people to supply that ammunition.

"Young is an international player and had a good relationship with Bent. They looked for each other so we have to find a replacement."

[Dante Lavelli]

Said it before but I think Clyne should be looked at for right back. He has either been player of the year or young player of the in every season he has played for Palace. Totalling over 100 games yet only just 20 years old.

I also understand that he is in the final year of his contract so should be good value for money and therefore a limited risk.

The only downside is the effect on Licaj who I note has been playing left back for the USA.

[Steve67]

sportinglife.com

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is on the lookout for a replacement for Ashley Young to get the best out of striker Darren Bent.

Bent, a January signing from Sunderland, scored nine goals in 16 games for Villa last season, but relied heavily on the service of Young.

However, Young last week joined Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £17million.

And McLeish knows he has a job on his hands to replace the England international, not least to keep Bent amongst the goals.

He said: "Bent has been sensational but he needs the right service and we need people to supply that ammunition.

"Young is an international player and had a good relationship with Bent. They looked for each other so we have to find a replacement."

Verhoek or N'Zogbia?  I wonder if the reported interest in these two is true.  Vital Wigan say we've made a bid for Charlie boy.  Get signing big Eck. I'm getting bored.

[ozzjim]

I want both of those two. If Verhoek is as good as they say, then N'Zogbia can replace Young and this guy Downing, all in for about 15 million. Both likely on lower wages too, with money left for a keeper and a run at getting Jimmy back. The first game of the season against West Ham was so hard to watch, because it was was the best central midfield performance by one of ours for as long as I could remember. I was so gutted as he left the field that day. If he had stayed, I wonder whether Kevin Mac would be manager now.

[Steve67]

McLeish said Downing isn't for sale unless we get a silly bid.  How much is silly?  Surely not the £20 million that the press are quoting?  Silly, to me, means at least £25million, or £17mill and a suitable swap for a quality player, A Meireles type swap. 

Ozzjim, I agree, if we are selling Downing, get both of them, we are going to need three wingers to get through a season.

[citizenDJ]

Just a quick question; did McLeish have Bentdner on loan when he was at SHA? Cheers in advance!

[TheSandman]

No. He was there the season before under Bruce when they were in the Championship.

[citizenDJ]

Ah, yes, I remember now.

Still, I was thinking he'd be a good signing for us, especially as an upgrade to Heskey. If we were to play 4-4-2, he'd do very well I reckon.

[JUAN PABLO]

Alex McLeish may turn to Ryan Shawcross in an attempt to bolster Aston Villa's defence

Aston Villa are in a battle with Newcastle to sign Gueida Fofana.       NOTW


Aston Villa missed out on the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago after Gerard Houllier's exit.   People

[JUAN PABLO]

Joey Barton is available for a cut-price fee of less than £1million.   Villa and Everton interested.  NOTW