Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[Damo70]

I reckon Stoke and Hughes are our best, if not only, hope of getting shot of Ireland. I think I would rather pay Given sixty grand a week to sit on the bench than pay him thirty grand a week to play for someone else. Same with Bent. Buy him and pay him or we will keep him. Like ozzjim said, someone will bid for him towards the end of the window. Or at worst in January when a number of clubs are in relegation trouble.

[damon loves JT]

That's the other dividend of signing players on low wages. If we'd signed Steven Fletcher and Adam Johnson, say, we would need to get rid of other big earners at any price.

As it is, we don't need to and it's up to the players to give us an incentive to let them go.

[Damo70]

Man City have told Gareth Barry he can go. Should we go for him ?

Yes. Someone with his experience, ability and character in the middle of our team would be a big boost.

[bob]

What a load of bollocks about Bent. £8m isn't even enough; £10m is more realistic for a player of his ability. If no-one wants to pay it then keep him and use him when it suits Aston Villa.

[DrGonzo]

Man City have told Gareth Barry he can go. Should we go for him ?

Yes. Someone with his experience, ability and character in the middle of our team would be a big boost.

This has been covered extensively over the last 300 pages can we not bring it up again?  I think everybody has had a chance to air their opinions on the prospect of our ex players returning (some say yay! some say feck off).  It's Sunday and I don't feel strong enough for another 10 pages about fat bum and square jaw.

[Mazrim]

After a small amount of consideration, I've decided Gareth Barry can gt knotted. We've moved on from him now.
I'm all for getting some experience in but not one that moves with the swift grace of a continental shelf.

[paul_e]

The bit that's being ignored to an extent is the idea that we'll still be paying part of Bent's wages.  I just don't buy that.  I'd sit him down and tell him he can stay, compete for a place on the bench and get a few 20minute cameos at 65k a week or he can go somewhere else and get regular football.  If he's serius about wanting regular football he should be willing to take a wage cut.  He's asking to leave so why should we sub his wages if he finds a club he's happy to join.

Add on the paying 5m part and that people article basically says we're going to take 3.5m for him, I can't see that.

[Clampy]

The bit that's being ignored to an extent is the idea that we'll still be paying part of Bent's wages.  I just don't buy that.  I'd sit him down and tell him he can stay, compete for a place on the bench and get a few 20minute cameos at 65k a week or he can go somewhere else and get regular football.  If he's serius about wanting regular football he should be willing to take a wage cut.  He's asking to leave so why should we sub his wages if he finds a club he's happy to join.

Yes the idea of selling a player but still paying some of his wages once he's gone is a bit laughable really.

[danlanza]

Bent is still a class striker. 8 million at least if he goes.

[paul_e]

The bit that's being ignored to an extent is the idea that we'll still be paying part of Bent's wages.  I just don't buy that.  I'd sit him down and tell him he can stay, compete for a place on the bench and get a few 20minute cameos at 65k a week or he can go somewhere else and get regular football.  If he's serius about wanting regular football he should be willing to take a wage cut.  He's asking to leave so why should we sub his wages if he finds a club he's happy to join.

Yes the idea of selling a player but still paying some of his wages once he's gone is a bit laughable really.

I can understand if he didn't want to leave but when he's come out in the press to say he wants to go somewhere and play regularly it seems bizarre.

[supertom]

Bent is still a class striker. 8 million at least if he goes.

Yep. It's an excellent price because he'll all but guarantee someone 15-20 if he's fit for the whole season. His injury troubles over the last couple of seasons have been a problem though, so that might be a concern as would his fitness because he appears to have lost a couple of yards in pace.
I think clubs like Newcastle, Fulham, Hull, Stoke would be well set up for him. They'd allow for the lack of general play you get from Benty and just let him hang around on the last defender waiting for his chance.

[Meanwood Villa]

Who'd have thought a year ago we'd be discussing selling Bent on the cheap and no-one's that bothered about him going. Funny old game as I think someone said once.

[john e]

Is this Man city telling Barry he's not wanted official or just paper talk ?

[saunders_heroes]

After a small amount of consideration, I've decided Gareth Barry can gt knotted. We've moved on from him now.
I'm all for getting some experience in but not one that moves with the swift grace of a continental shelf.

We've moved on alright. Backwards to be precise.

[saunders_heroes]

Is this Man city telling Barry he's not wanted official or just paper talk ?

It's in The People. It would be good to have a bit of experience in the middle. Can't see it happening but it'd be good if it did.