Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[nigel]

Apparently, Mbokani from Anderlect wants a move to the Prem and Villa are one of the front runners

I hope not. The guy is absolutely useless. Watched him for a while he was at Standard Liege. Also watched him in the flesh on a trip to watch Anderlecht last season. He's a cross between Carlton Cole and Kenwyne Jones!

Have to admit I know nothing about the guy, my lad reckons he'd be a good buy at the right price.

[manic-road]

Today's Daily Mail reporting that N'Zogbia is a target for Monaco and that Middlesborough have targeted Herd as a potential signing.

[PaulWinch again]

Herd isn't good enough to be a long term competitor for the right back spot, so I think we need another right back and likewise a left back to compete with Bennett. Lescott at 30 would be a great signing, we could get four or five years out of him. A creative midfielder is also important, and a striker to back up Benteke.

[villa kicks]

I like herd to stay. I dont nzogbia - but suspect Monaco would want bigger players than him and he doesn't fit criteria of what Monaco are striving to achieve. The mail would be more realistic if they said Nzogbia and Herd were wanted by m'boro. Nursey in mirror could have some accuracy with the mention of Lambert targeting 2 new full backs, an experienced centre half and a creative midfielder. I myselfclearly stated want i feel is necessary 8 players and would like at least 6. Am taking into account players who will be shipped out. So 1 gk. Full back- left. Centre back. Creative midfielder, Goalscoring midfielder, 2 wingers, and a striker. 

[danlanza]

N'zogbia to Monaco possibly and Lambert has the feelers out for Lescott.

[Concrete John]

Herd isn't good enough to be a long term competitor for the right back spot, so I think we need another right back and likewise a left back to compete with Bennett. Lescott at 30 would be a great signing, we could get four or five years out of him. A creative midfielder is also important, and a striker to back up Benteke.

Both Weimann and Gabby could play in the centre where Benteke operates, so I'd be thinking a quality wide option gives us the freedom to do that if he's injured/suspended, plus gives competition across the frontline.  Add in Bowery and that's 5 for 6 places.

I wouldn't be after a creative midfielder per se, but rather an attacking one to operate behind Benteke.  We need more goals from midfield, so a young Frank Lampard/David Platt is what we need - still puts in a shift (unlike N'Zog) but can add to the goal tally and likes to get into the box.       

[PaulWinch again]

I think Bowery should be loaned out, as he's not ready to start in the Premier League.

[Holte L2]

I have to admit, I like N'Zogbia.  He hasnt given value for money for the fee we paid for him.  Bit he offers us something different when we need to change the play.  He's shown some decent form for Lambert, against Fulham and West Ham in particular.  I'd like to see us keep him!

[supertom]

Today's Daily Mail reporting that N'Zogbia is a target for Monaco and that Middlesborough have targeted Herd as a potential signing.

Okay its from the BNP's rag of choice and potentially horse shite, but that would be a double yes from me. Monaco are rolling in cash so they may stump up a good fee for CNZ. A good fee being 5 mill.
Herd won't make it at this level. So a move to Boro makes sense for him.

[jonzy85]

I haven't seen anything of our crop of youngsters who seem to be doing quite well. Are any of them ready to make the step up to the first team squad next year? Also, Gary Gardner, is he going to make an impact this year? I missed most of last season so haven't really seen him play, but he has been talked up to the nines on this site. I kind of feel that if he is to become the player some thought he would, it is make or break next season.
Also, if Given does leave, is Siegrist (sp) ready to make the step up to challenge/deputise for Brad?

The reason I have this in the transfer thread, is that if we could add 3 to the squad from within, it would mean that whatever money is available would not need to be so thinly spread around on players.

[Clampy]

I have to admit, I like N'Zogbia.  He hasnt given value for money for the fee we paid for him.  Bit he offers us something different when we need to change the play.  He's shown some decent form for Lambert, against Fulham and West Ham in particular.  I'd like to see us keep him!

I'd be a bit more positive about him if he'd had a few more decent games rather than just the two you've mentioned. It's rare that he set's up a goal as well which for an attacking player is poor. The longer we keep him and the longer he fails to deliver, the less we'll be able to sell him for. I'd sell if a decent offer came in.

[supertom]

A player like N'Zog should be scoring 1 in 4 minimum. He played 21 games this season in the league, scored 2 and had 4 assists. That's nothing near good enough. Granted it's Messi-esque compared to Ireland but for a 9.5mill valued player, you expect far more.
We have to flog him now whilst we can get a reasonable fee for him. The money we'd get and wages we'd save could go a long way for us.

[ozzjim]

I wonder if we are still interested in Williams was it at Boro last summer? Quite highly rated and may want to move upwards, while Herd would replace him well.

[DrGonzo]

I haven't seen anything of our crop of youngsters who seem to be doing quite well. Are any of them ready to make the step up to the first team squad next year? Also, Gary Gardner, is he going to make an impact this year? I missed most of last season so haven't really seen him play, but he has been talked up to the nines on this site. I kind of feel that if he is to become the player some thought he would, it is make or break next season.
Also, if Given does leave, is Siegrist (sp) ready to make the step up to challenge/deputise for Brad?

The reason I have this in the transfer thread, is that if we could add 3 to the squad from within, it would mean that whatever money is available would not need to be so thinly spread around on players.

You aren't the only one who missed seeing GG play this season.  I hope he can come back from another serious injury setback, the most important years for a young player and he has been spending them in the treatment room.  Also Grealish in the next season or two, let's pray he turns out better than Albi.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm hoping GG can have a big impact next season, especially as our system incorporates 3 central midfielders.