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

[pedro25]

For the wide roles supporting Bent I would have thought Gabby and N'Zogbia are the prime contenders, with Holman, Albrighton, Carruthers and Bannan as competition for these two berths.  I can't see us signing another 2 options for these positions on top of the numbers we already have.  I realise of course that Gabby is also first back up for Bent, and that Holman and Bannan could also fill Ireland's attacking central role, but even so I think one more wide option would give us plenty of options and maybe spell the end for Bannan, or see Carruthers go out on loan, or both.

[MoetVillan]

I know it was just cameo's, but i thought Carruthers was excellent when I saw him play last season (one of the slight glimpses of "football" in our team).  I dont want him to go on loan, I want to see him play in my colours

[Concrete John]

As it stands, Carruthers would need to get in ahead of N'Zogbia, Gabby and Holman, presuming we play on up top in Bent.  So at best he's in the pool of 2nd choices with Albrighton and Bannan.

I think a loan would see him play more football and be better for his development longterm.  However, if Bertie is suitably impressed in training and wants to actually PLAY him, then fair enough!   

[MoetVillan]

I already have him ahead of Nzog.  Carruthers achieved more in a couple of cameos than that lazy shite did all season.  Sorry for the language

[Concrete John]

No problem - he was a lazt shit last season.

But he also represents a £10m investment by the club and has proved his ability in the PL.  I'm all for youth getting their chance, but the new manager's remit has to be to get more out of our established senior players.

[N'ZMAV]

Flog Bannan.

[PaulTheVillan]

Flog Bannan.

and Delfouneso.

[N'ZMAV]

Flog Bannan.

and Delfouneso.

and Agbonlahor.

[Le Lapin]

I hope that NZog can be bothered playing for us this season. Good player if we can motivate him.
Thought Carruthers looked decent against Liverpool, should have got us a penalty.

[PaulTheVillan]

Would love Lambert to get the best from Albrighton and NZogbia.

Edit: and Gabby

and Ireland
and everyone else.

[tomd2103]

For the wide roles supporting Bent I would have thought Gabby and N'Zogbia are the prime contenders,

I don't think Gabby is a wide player and it was apparent at times last season when he was moved out there that he didn't want to play there.  I'm really hoping PL can get the best out oif N'Zogbia this season as the lad has definitely got talent.  He had played his way into the French team before he joined us, which is an achievement in itself when you consider the attacking players they have at their disposal.  I just get the feeling with Charles that he is not an out and out winger and is more comfortable finding space inside.  Although I haven't seen him play, it seems that Holman is a similar type of player as is Carruthers, and if we can sign Matt Phillips or Sinclair, then we would have some options in those positions.  Not really sure Marc is that type of player and is more of a traditional winger.     

[Concrete John]

If we play a 4-3-3, then N'Zog can have that position slightly more inside and linking up with the striker (Bent).  This might also get the best from Gabby, who as you say isn't a winger, as he'd be closer to his natural striking position.  The true width then needs to come from the FBs, which ties in with Lowton supposedly being quite good going forward and the link Bertrand, an attacking LB.

Given

Lowton
New CB
Clark
Bertrand?

Makoun
El Ahmadi
Ireland

Gabby
Bent
N'Zogbia

[tomd2103]

If we play a 4-3-3, then N'Zog can have that position slightly more inside and linking up with the striker (Bent).  This might also get the best from Gabby, who as you say isn't a winger, as he'd be closer to his natural striking position.  The true width then needs to come from the FBs, which ties in with Lowton supposedly being quite good going forward and the link Bertrand, an attacking LB.

Given

Lowton
New CB
Clark
Bertrand?

Makoun
El Ahmadi
Ireland

Gabby
Bent
N'Zogbia

John that would be the formation I would go with as well, except I would have Holman in for Gabby.  The fact that he is reporting back late for pre season and hasn't been given a squad number would suggest to me that Makoun will be going, but speculation suggests that Doumbia could be joining so that will be a like-for-like replacement.  As for CB, it sounds like Collins is on his way, but hopefully Dunne can get himself sorted and return to the form he was in when he first came to the club.  We still need another player in that position and speculation regarding Ramis from Mallorca sounds positive.

[villastikz]

Amazing what a difference a few days make

7th of July - ASTON VILLA and Sunderland are in a £9million fight for Real Mallorca centre-back Ivan Ramis.

11th of July - Aston Villa looking at move for £4m defender Ivan Ramis

If Lambert is after him he should leave it a few more days, the way his value is falling in the press he will be free come Sunday.

[pedro25]

Central midfield is still a dubious area for me, EL Ahmadi is an unknown quantity and whilst Herd impressed last season I feel he's limited in comparison with centre mids at other teams in the top half.  If Lambert could get something out of Delph or Makoun that would be great, but is still a big if at this stage.  Otherwise that's about it, I would say Ireland, Bannan and Gardner are only suitable for a more advanced midfield role or playing as one of a 3 in the middle.