Summer Transfer Thread: Speculation, Lies, Absolute Cr*p and Bosman Rumours

[Mister E]

Tough tackling isn't as necessary as an ability to read the game, make interceptions

Which is why people value Petrov; this is exactly what he does so well - often unseen but certainly valued.

[Toronto Villa]

We don't need a liability in our midfield. Joey Barton once he puts his shirt back on should be available for being a twat if we really want one of those. We need an aggressive, yet intelligent footballer, not a nut that any time could see us reduced to ten men.

[OCD]

From my observations, Petrov was always undervalued by a lot of people and his ability to read the game and make interceptions wasn't appreciated. Our record with and without him over the past 2 seasons though would be quite telling. He missed a chunk of the season under Houllier and we had a poor run of results, then when he was fit again we finished the season really strongly. Then this season when his illness was announced we could barely get anything.

[hartman_1982]

Tough tackling isn't as necessary as an ability to read the game, make interceptions

Which is why people value Petrov; this is exactly what he does so well - often unseen but certainly valued.

for interceptions in the whole league last year: 1. Petrov 2. Ireland

[KevinGage]

Sturridge could be available if Chelsea sign David Banner.

For the gaps we have in the squad, I'd look at Figueroa or Pieters for left back.  Douglas, Ashley Williams,  Woodgate or Kyle Bartley for CB (any two from four there). Frimpong or Holden for CM, Jarvis or Knightly for the flanks and Rhodes or Sturridge up top.

[VinnieChase84]

Sturridge could be available if Chelsea sign David Banner.

For the gaps we have in the squad, I'd look at Figueroa or Pieters for left back.  Douglas, Ashley Williams,  Woodgate or Kyle Bartley for CB (any two from four there). Frimpong or Holden for CM, Jarvis or Knightly for the flanks and Rhodes or Sturridge up top.

Would love Sturridge but could see him at Spuds or Liverpool unfortunately

[UK Redsox]

Would love Sturridge but could see him at Spuds or Liverpool unfortunately

Spurs I could understand but why the Klan ? He'd be playing third fiddle at best there. Here he'd be second at worst, and pushing Bent.

[ozzjim]

Sturridge is going to fetch 10 million plus too. No chance.

Rather sign 5-6 players from the Championship that are 20-25 and have ptoential for sell on.

[KevinGage]

Chelsea not wanting to sell to a direct (or potential)  rival might come into it though.  Plus he is  (or was) a Villa fan.

[avfcpg]

Would love to get Sturridge but think he'd go to Spuds & Co.
Personally, as much as I love the bloke, I'd cash in on Gabby to get Sturridge.

Isn't it about time we were linked with Defoe? I'd still take him and he looks as though he could be off in the summer, clearly not in favour with 'appy 'arry..   

[James]

I'd love to see Defoe in a Villa shirt, but he and Bent didn't set the world alight together at Spuds which is my concern, though it may be because they weren't given the opportunity.

Dogheads want £10m apiece for Jarvis/Kightley, at which price they can keep 'em! I'm not convinced that buying 5 or 6 Championship players is the answer. 1 or 2 maybe, but there must be better talent at better prices overseas if we just knew where to look!

[Monty]

Tough tackling isn't as necessary as an ability to read the game, make interceptions

Which is why people value Petrov; this is exactly what he does so well - often unseen but certainly valued.

for interceptions in the whole league last year: 1. Petrov 2. Ireland

Both comments spot on and very telling. Tackling is important, but actually mostly, I think, for attackers pressing high up the pitch, looking to nip the ball away for quick breakaways. Obviously defenders, midfielders and, well, everyone needs it, really. But most switches of possession are the result of the defending team's positioning frustrating the attacking team into making a mistake.

[supertom]

Bent and Defoe can't play together. Too similar. It would be one or the other because one of them would either have to drop back for the ball, hold it up, or work the channels while the other foxed the box, but neither would be willing to do it, and also wasted in doing so.

[JJ-AV]

Wrong topic, but how is St Ledger doing at Leicester?

[Grande Pablo]

Wrong topic, but how is St Ledger doing at Leicester?

Watch him playing for Ireland in the Euros.  A couple of years ago I thought he was a good prospect, but he's bummed around the Championship too long to be a viable proposition.

We know of another young hungry defender or two - Clark & Baker.