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

[PaulWinch again]

What if we sell Bent and buy Charlie Austin? It's the type of thing I think Lambert would do.

I just don't see the value of selling a proven Premier League goal scorer and replacing him with a proven lower league goal scorer.

[Toronto Villa]

If we are going to sell him, do it now while his value is highest and make sure we reinvest wisely. Better still don't sell him and reinvest wisely to get the most out of him. I don't know that we have the resources to do the latter effectively right now however.

But then when Bent was scoring 25 goals for Sunderland a couple of years ago, his service was being provided by Andy Reid, Teemu Tainiom, Frazier Campbell and Kenwyne Jones.

It's not like he had Iniesta or Sneijder passing to him.

I absolutely appreciate the point Dave. The question I have is how long and how much will it take to put that together here? We don't know how receptive Bent has been to Lambert's approach. It can't all be about him and he has to pull his weight with the rest of the players. Maybe he's not as opne to changing his game at this stage of his career. Like I said, I'd sooner we found a way to get the best out of him and not compromise everything else that we are trying to repair at the same time.

[PaulTheVillan]

We should keep Bent and he should be upfront. Working out who to play along side him is what we need to work out.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I think the assumption is that if Bent was to be sold then the revenue would be reinvested into the team so the logic above is not exactly relevant (assuming you're saying that Villa play better with Bent).

Or maybe we flog him and the dunderheads at the club say
'Right, that takes care of what we spent in the Summer and we'll dole out £5m for a new (sub-standard) striker.'

[tomd2103]

What we have to remember about Bent is that he has had two pretty serious injuries recently and having missed most of pre-season, he is still somewhat playing catch up.  In the games I have seen him play this season, he still looks a little way off full fitness and match sharpness.

 

[supertom]

Our midfield can't compete the way it's currently laid out. We're not giving Bent the service and we're not protecting the back line. If we play 4-4-2 and don't don't offer much width, that's not gonna suit Bent, unless you've got someone of real quality pulling the strings and picking the passes. We have Ireland who's a good player on his day, not great and never will be. His day rarely comes either. CNZ might turn up one day but I doubt it.

In the centre there's no stability with KEA (who'll be okay, probably not much more) and whichever substandard partner he has.

Switch to a three man mid to compete better, protect the defence better and we'll improve. A bit. Right now in CM we offer absolutely nothing to the attack or the defence. Maybe KEA might score 1-2 more from outside the box this season but that won't count for enough in the grand scheme.

Selling Bent could be disastrous though. As poor as he's been this season and last, he's been top scorer still. If his confidence returns and his fitness is 100%, he'll score more. Simple as.

[PaulWinch again]

Our midfield can't compete the way it's currently laid out. We're not giving Bent the service and we're not protecting the back line. If we play 4-4-2 and don't don't offer much width, that's not gonna suit Bent, unless you've got someone of real quality pulling the strings and picking the passes. We have Ireland who's a good player on his day, not great and never will be. His day rarely comes either. CNZ might turn up one day but I doubt it.

In the centre there's no stability with KEA (who'll be okay, probably not much more) and whichever substandard partner he has.

Switch to a three man mid to compete better, protect the defence better and we'll improve. A bit. Right now in CM we offer absolutely nothing to the attack or the defence. Maybe KEA might score 1-2 more from outside the box this season but that won't count for enough in the grand scheme.

Selling Bent could be disastrous though. As poor as he's been this season and last, he's been top scorer still. If his confidence returns and his fitness is 100%, he'll score more. Simple as.

I think it's a bit soon to cast judgement on KEA as yet, also Ireland has been very good this season when he's played. I also think it's a bit early to refer to the others as substandard, Westwood has barely had a kick. I do agree though we could do with some experienced quality in the centre.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Think KEA has been very good. Breaks up play and has great ball retention something we have seriously lacked. Although i am not a fan Ireland has been a lot better than last season even though he was player of the season last year ......

[Mister E]

I'd advocate a midfield three of KEA, Holman and Herd playing narrow. With a back three and two quick wingbacks, it would accommodate Bent and another striker or Bent with Ireland (when fit) behind.

[DrGonzo]

Chelsea quoting £20m for Sturridge :O.  A massively over valued player, occasionally excellent, often anonymous.

[barrysleftfoot]

  To be honest, i would sell Bent if we can get Sturridge for the same money.

  Still want a good wide player though.Might try and get the young German lad from Chelsk on loan.

[1874]

A German site is linking us with Kevin Pezzoni who is apparently a free agent. Somebody on Villa Talk has translated it here:        www.villatalk.com/index.php/topic/7407-kevin-pezzoni-free-agent/

[Louzie0]

If we sell Bent it would be the final nail in the coffin and would make peoples perceptions of us as a club at the moment absolutely correct, as it's what everybody is expecting us to do.It would be completely and utterly depressing in terms of the message it sends out.
I can't for one minute believe that PL cannot see the benefit of having a player like Bent in the side.It's up to him to get the best out of him

me too

[sid1964]

Surely it is up to Bent, to show PL what he can do???

When i go to work, I have to prove to the Company Directors that I work for that I can do my job to high standard, If I dont then i am out the door.

Interesting article from BIG Ron in the Express and Star, on Monday, he clearly thinks that Bent will be gone in January.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Surely it is up to Bent, to show PL what he can do???

The goals against WBA and Southampton should give him a hint.

If it was McCatpiss dropping Bent with rumours of fallings out, there would be burning effigys at Villa Park.
Lambert does it and it's considered 'for the good of the team.'