SSN: "Downing won't commit to Villa"

[JJ-AV]

My take on things is Daglish clearly wanted Downing more than Ashley, but knew Downing wasn't for sale so went for Ashley. Man Utd. have come in and disrupted things and Ashley's heading there, so a word has been had in Downing's ear and he's after him again now.

Very frustrating, but that's what happens in football. Which is why it annoys me so much we're so 'nice' at times. Why we can't just go and take someone's manager I'll never know.

When we were (wrongly) accussed of tapping up Bent in January no one gave a shit.

[villan1975]

As stated elsewhere contracts don't actually count for anything,so if Downing was a reasonable human being he should sign a contract if only to entitle the club that showed faith in and paid him substantial wages whilst he was injured/shit to demand a higher fee.

[Villa'Zawg]

It's incredibly rare for a player to simply down tools because they can't get the move they want. Downing will only leave if the board decide to accept an offer for him.

[Chris Smith]

It's incredibly rare for a player to simply down tools because they can't get the move they want. Downing will only leave if the board decide to accept an offer for him.

Exactly, I'm just glad that those screaming "sell the bastard" are not in charge of our transfer policy.

[Louzie0]

My take on things is Daglish clearly wanted Downing more than Ashley, but knew Downing wasn't for sale so went for Ashley. Man Utd. have come in and disrupted things and Ashley's heading there, so a word has been had in Downing's ear and he's after him again now.

Couldn't the club do what we did with Barry the first time and put a major price on him if Liverpool come in with an offer this summer?  From what I've read he doesn't sound as if he's desperate to go immediately, anyway.  Who knows, a lot can happen in a season and we could end up above them next May, in a CL spot of our own, if the Board's plans for rebuilding come to fruition.

[Big Dick Edwards]

If Downing really wants to leave it'll be on our terms. With two years left on his contract we can demand full market value for him, unlike Young. If Liverpool or anyone else don't want to pay it, Downing won't be going anywhere.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

My take on things is Daglish clearly wanted Downing more than Ashley, but knew Downing wasn't for sale so went for Ashley. Man Utd. have come in and disrupted things and Ashley's heading there, so a word has been had in Downing's ear and he's after him again now.

I think you're close. Downing has definately been tapped up by Liverpool, thus the statement and change of attitude from two weeks ago.

[villanois]

I see it like this. 2 years left on a contract = sell at above market value
                         1 year left on a contract = sell at realistic (close to what we paid) price
                         january window with less than 6mths left = sell at a loss
                         bosman = player leaves for nothing
So if Liverpoo want him this year then starting bid will need to be 15m +

[KevinGage]

My take on things is Daglish clearly wanted Downing more than Ashley, but knew Downing wasn't for sale so went for Ashley. Man Utd. have come in and disrupted things and Ashley's heading there, so a word has been had in Downing's ear and he's after him again now.

Couldn't the club do what we did with Barry the first time and put a major price on him if Liverpool come in with an offer this summer?  From what I've read he doesn't sound as if he's desperate to go immediately, anyway.  Who knows, a lot can happen in a season and we could end up above them next May, in a CL spot of our own, if the Board's plans for rebuilding come to fruition.

Well in the mental world of football transfer fees; if Ashley Young with one year left on his contract is worth £15-£18 million Stewpot should be worth about £40 million. That should scare the blighters off (...saying that, they did shell out £35 million for Carroll).

[Villanation]

Its amazing how things can turn around, if Mr Lerner moves fast, and he must have targets in mind to manage the club, if and its a big IF, maybe just maybe we end up keeping Downing, even possibly Young, get a high profile manager, we have a chairman that's prepared to commit funds, its possible.

[boboonthecorner]

If Downing really wants to leave it'll be on our terms. With two years left on his contract we can demand full market value for him, unlike Young. If Liverpool or anyone else don't want to pay it, Downing won't be going anywhere.

Yes he will, no different to Young. If a player isn't happy he will move. Fuck the ungrateful c**t off as soon as possible, hopefully he'll get everything he deserves.

[villa-love]

Someone on twitter has said that Liverpool made an offer for Downing in January which was rejected by Houllier. Downing only found out about this offer after he made his "I love Villa Park" comments and now wants out. Apparently said "Aston Villa will be raging but I don't give a sh*t"

[Ross]

Someone on twitter has said that Liverpool made an offer for Downing in January which was rejected by Houllier. Downing only found out about this offer after he made his "I love Villa Park" comments and now wants out. Apparently said "Aston Villa will be raging but I don't give a sh*t"

Downing and his agent would have been fully aware if Liverpool were going to make a bid, certainly before Villa did, or milliseconds after the bid was received.  Its naive to think otherwise. He's been tapped up since Young was heading to Old Trafford.  £20M please.

[ozzjim]

Downing is a little shit. End of story. Go and being a fecking pansy elsewhere. If it is to be, feck him off for 20 million. Get N'Zogbia down the left, Albrighton the right and create chances for Bent to stick away.

[Tom_Mc9?]

I concur with the two posts above. It's surprising to see him pining for a move away after one good season to say the least. I say get rid and start again. It's not worth the will he-won't he aggravation it causes.