Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[Damo70]

Titus Bramble is available. Experienced.

and one of the worst central defenders the league has ever seen.

For me he is one of those players that looks okay relatively out of the spotlight and pressure, like at Ipswich and Wigan. But his spells at Newcastle and Sunderland have looked 'a bit iffy' to say the least.

[john e]

Titus Bramble is available. Experienced.

and one of the worst central defenders the league has ever seen.

For me he is one of those players that looks okay relatively out of the spotlight and pressure, like at Ipswich and Wigan. But his spells at Newcastle and Sunderland have looked 'a bit iffy' to say the least.

he's the sort of player MON would have bought,
 and we would have  been reading posts saying it could be a MON masterstroke signing to try and justify it

[eamonn]

Vermaelen turned us down before joining Arsenal. He's been decent at times for them but probably didn't live-up to what they would have hoped for long term. Would rival Vlaar for those long-range thumpers. Maybe a better sigining than another almost one-time Villan, Haangeland, who has looked ropey on occasion for Fulham recently but might be available.

[Concrete John]

Vermaelan would be after more money than we'd pay.

[paul_e]

As I say, I don't rate Vermaelan as a central defender, his flaws and mistakes are very similar to those of Clark.  He got away with it in his first season because Arsenal were controlling possession and he was scoring the odd screamer, in the last 18months he's gone backwards and it's no shock that he gets nowhere near the arsenal defence when they're all available.  If he was in his early 20s and cheap I'd be willing to give him a go but he'd come in as our highest earner for a comparatively big fee, so it's a no for me.

As for Bramble, just no, how he's still a premier league player I have no idea, he's awful.

[FatSam]

Celtic have been linked with Aleksandar Tonev of Lech Poznan in the past. He is 23 and can play as a winger, and could be an option to give us some formational flexibility. Based on his age and the level that he is currently playing at I would have thought he would fit our recruitment strategy - but the Polish league might not be on Lambert's radar.

[Salsa Party Animal]

not necessary as German team like to recruit from Poland, and he is influenced by Borussia Dortmund method. And it is a good marketing opportunity to get those Polish emigrants to support the team with polish players.

[paulcomben]

It is amazing how many people continue to post names on here of well-established, high earning, ageing Premier League players.  Bramble? Vermaelen?? Lambert and Lerner have made it crystal clear that they will not sign any such types.

[PaulWinch again]

Vermaelan is 27 I wouldn't say he's ageing. We won't sign him, but he's not old.

[Billy Walker]

It is amazing how many people continue to post names on here of well-established, high earning, ageing Premier League players.  Bramble? Vermaelen?? Lambert and Lerner have made it crystal clear that they will not sign any such types.

Correct.

[Hoppo]

Jesus I was only being sarcastic about Bramble. Id rather have his dad Wilfred.

[LeeB]

Jesus I was only being sarcastic about Bramble. Id rather have his dad Wilfred.

Think you're a bit too old for him.

[peter w]

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. 

And if Lowtongetsinjured?

[N'ZMAV]

We're more likely to sign someone from Crewe than Arsenal.

[peter w]

He may have had a bad game, but he's generally looked strong and dependable for City and England this season.

No he hasn't. Which is why he has been kept out of the team by Nastasic.

My Man City mate said he was dropped because he's rubbish on the ball. Nastasic has come in and been brilliant all round- so he says - and he's only 18 or 19. Lescott has been out for most of the season and was bound to be rusty against Norwich. If it was a choice between Lescott and BakerIthink I and many on here would take that. I personally would be absolutely delighted if we signed him. It would very much be an improvement and a step in the right direction in trying to sort out an obvious problem area, however old he is.