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

[pauliewalnuts]

Why on earth sell Given? We have enough building to do this summer without turmoil in a position where we have a good player.

[Irish villain]

After watching tonight, a big NO to any Irish, including Keane! Hopeless. I'm sorry to our Irish supporters, nothing personal (I really wanted them to do well), but how the bloody hell did they qualify?

The manager has a system and he wants players who will carry out his instructions. Hence no Coleman, McCarthy, McLean.

He sets us up well but there's no plan B and he doesn't want any flair players. Hence Keane plays a more subdued role than he would have under previous managers (and at villa).

To think we have Andrews and Whelan where we could have Stephen Ireland!

[villan from luton]

I am doing an about turn on Keane, dont want him now lol.  Lambert wants hungry players and he wont be that, though appreciate his input in January.

[Toronto Villa]

Why on earth sell Given? We have enough building to do this summer without turmoil in a position where we have a good player.

Not saying we should. However at 36 and with 4 years left on his deal, selling him for what we paid wouldn't be horrendous. Providing off course the replacement was solid. Ben Foster for example is a lot younger and would likely be about the same value. Still, as you say lots of other things to fix first.

[Irish villain]

Yes, time to look to the future perhaps.

We should be signing the next big things. The new Young and Milner if you will.

[OCD]

Keane looked hungry enough when he was here. In fact he seemed to be the only one that had any hunger, shown by his yelling at other players for their lack of movement. That probably symbolises why his short stint was so meaningful to us though. At this stage of Keane's career, we need to look elsewhere though and fill the squad up with young, ambitious players who can be coached to pass and move in the same manner as what Keane wanted from those around him.

In fact thinking about it, Keane was always known for being one of the best in terms of movement. Perhaps a player/coach deal can be offered with him becoming a full-time coach once his playing days are over?

[tomd2103]

So Ireland and Given both linked with exits tonight. If QPR offer anything around 4 million for Given, I would snap their hands off and sign a couple of the free keepers this summer, starting with Kusczack from United, or even that Guzan fella.

As for Ireland not being wanted by Lambert according to the mirror, it would be a shame as he is a talented boy, but his wages are astronomical. I would imagine, for the 2 players wages, you could probably bring in 5.

How much do you reckon he is on ozzbert ?

Been reported many times that Ireland is on £85,000 a week at Villa.

[asgpaul]

I think the club would be tempted by a decent offer for Given. I think the story about Ireland is completely made up though. We are not selling our player of the year for £4m. That really is such a crap rag.

As for a new keeper I'd take advantage of the noses and pluck Foster from them on the cheap. I'd like Ruddy but he'd be a lot more expensive right now.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4365396/Mark-Hughes-will-move-for-Villa-keeper-Shay-Given.html

If Given is indeed disillusioned as suggested in this report then I think a punt for Foster would be a very good move.

[Toronto Villa]

I think the club would be tempted by a decent offer for Given. I think the story about Ireland is completely made up though. We are not selling our player of the year for £4m. That really is such a crap rag.

As for a new keeper I'd take advantage of the noses and pluck Foster from them on the cheap. I'd like Ruddy but he'd be a lot more expensive right now.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4365396/Mark-Hughes-will-move-for-Villa-keeper-Shay-Given.html

If Given is indeed disillusioned as suggested in this report then I think a punt for Foster would be a very good move.

Not sure about the disillusioned bit. He seemed happy enough when Lambert was linked to us. I think that's some lazy journalism frankly because of our issues last year. I wouldn't dismiss that he has a relationship with Hughes though and I'm sure he'll be in for him if we were willing to listen to offers.

[Steve R]

Weren't we linked with This character at some stage last season? McLeish certainly likes his pissheads.

I like the way the Telegraph report includes a picture of Lobster Thermistor for the benefit of ignorant twats like myself.

[Pete3206]

The only Irish player I'd listen to offers for is Stephen Ireland. Given and Dunne are good enough for The Premier League and I'd take Robbie Keane back in a heartbeat.

[N'Zimidy]

The only Irish player I'd listen to offers for is Stephen Ireland. Given and Dunne are good enough for The Premier League and I'd take Robbie Keane back in a heartbeat.

Then you're clearly mental. Keane and Dunne have no place at Villa, Given is getting on in age and Ireland is our best player who we should build a team around.

[JUAN PABLO]

The only Irish player I'd listen to offers for is Stephen Ireland. Given and Dunne are good enough for The Premier League and I'd take Robbie Keane back in a heartbeat.

Then you're clearly mental. Keane and Dunne have no place at Villa, Given is getting on in age and Ireland is our best player who we should build a team around.

agree 

[spaf]

I mentioned that Kjaer the other day as one to watch. Him and Kyriakos Papadopolous could be our central defensive problem solved for the next ten years.  (or at least they'd have a good sell on value)

Sadly theres no chance Papadopoulos coming to Villa from Schalke04. That would be sideways move at best and that's being very polite to the Villa. Maybe we could offer him equal amount of cash but that's about it. Schalke's massive and he's bound to be in most of the elite clubs' radar.

I'd be very happy with Vurnon Anita.

[Mister E]

Time to look to the future. Given and Dunne both look tired and sluggish, even if the former did play a massive part in our escape last season. I'd keep Given as the experienced keeper but bring in a younger man to challenge for the #1 spot.

I was saddened by the Irish performance last night: reminded me of TSM's Villa team ... 1-dimensional, poor technique and reliant on the big hoof.