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

[PeterWithesShin]

Paul Lambert: “The squad needs to get bigger.”

Paul Lambert has confirmed that Villa will try to make the reinforcements they require in the January transfer window, saying: “The squad needs to get bigger.”

Lambert recruited seven new signings in the summer, bringing in Karim El Ahmadi, Matthew Lowton, Ron Vlaar, Jordan Bowery, Joe Bennett, Ashley Westwood and Christian Benteke.

Brett Holman also arrived after agreeing a pre-contract agreement with the previous regime, while Brad Guzan re-signed after originally leaving the club last summer.

But Lambert regards Villa’s squad strengthening as an ongoing project and will ask chairman Randy Lerner for backing for further additions in the new year.

A recent central defensive injury crisis has highlighted to Lambert how the claret and blues lack options and cover in certain areas.

“The squad needs to get bigger,” said Lambert. “That is important as well. That’s normal. Everyone has to have competition for places. That is vital.

“It is like the centre-halves situation. We lose Ciaran Clark and Nathan Baker and have to put Matt Lowton or Chris Herd back there.

[Damo70]

I'm guessing by the price that a number of clubs were looking at Benteke but we jumped in and paid the money. I would like to think we could do the same with Ince.

[Steve R]

Unless he has decided that Richard Dunne has played his last game for the club, buying a centre back now would not make much sense.

Having to figure out who your 6th choice centre back is shouldn't be a trigger for spending money. Especially when you are struggling to find an effective first choice midfield.

[PeterWithesShin]

It could depend on how long the club think Dunne will be out. If they are pretty sure he's going to be out for a few more months it only leaves us with Vlaar, Clark and Baker as proper CB.

[eastie]

It could depend on how long the club think Dunne will be out. If they are pretty sure he's going to be out for a few more months it only leaves us with Vlaar, Clark and Baker as proper CB.

Dunne is close to returning to training this month and has made excellent progress in the last week- should be available sometime early in December.

[PeterWithesShin]

It could depend on how long the club think Dunne will be out. If they are pretty sure he's going to be out for a few more months it only leaves us with Vlaar, Clark and Baker as proper CB.

Dunne is close to returning to training this month and has made excellent progress in the last week- should be available sometime early in December.

He's hoping to return, there's a big difference. "'But I'm hoping - fingers crossed - that I can start training in a couple of weeks."

[eastie]

It could depend on how long the club think Dunne will be out. If they are pretty sure he's going to be out for a few more months it only leaves us with Vlaar, Clark and Baker as proper CB.

Dunne is close to returning to training this month and has made excellent progress in the last week- should be available sometime early in December.

He's hoping to return, there's a big difference. "'But I'm hoping - fingers crossed - that I can start training in a couple of weeks."

Operation went well so he seems to be on the road to recovery- far more pressing transfers matters are the midfield which needs quality and experience when the transfer market opens.

I wouldn't worry too much about defence as by January dunne should  be back and we have Vlaar, Clark and baker as well as herd or Lowton as back up - we are just really unlucky right now that 3 of the main 4 central defenders have been injured at the same time - delighted to see Clark is fit now and hopefully baker will be soon as well.

[Clampy]

Someone mentioned Silvestre recently. Maybe until the end of the season as cover it would'nt be the worst idea in the world.

[barrysleftfoot]

  I'd offer Delf, Bannan, and probably Delph for Ince.

  From the small snippets i have seen of Ince he looks a very good prospect, with a very good attitude.

[Mister E]

Someone mentioned Silvestre recently. Maybe until the end of the season as cover it would'nt be the worst idea in the world.

We could maybe get a two-for-one with Pires and Silveste together.
Just a thought.

[Doorbell]

Fringpong

Will somebody please answer the bloody door.

Who's there?

[Chipsticks]

Fringpong

Will somebody please answer the bloody door.

Who's there?

Goan.

[Toronto Villa]

Fringpong

Will somebody please answer the bloody door.

Who's there?

Goan.

Sad I realise but I thought it was funny coming from someone called doorbell.

[Chipsticks]

Fringpong

Will somebody please answer the bloody door.

Who's there?

Goan.

Sad I realise but I thought it was funny coming from someone called doorbell.

[villadelph]

All the Twitter ITK BSers seem to be sure that we're in talks with a free agent CB.

We'll see..