Summer 2013: Villa Transfers, Speculation, Suggestions and Rumours

[gervilla]

@MatKendrick: Villa would be receptive to Ireland going to Stoke on loan, according to a bear (belonging to a Catholic pope) pooing in the woods

Stephen Ireland now travelling to Stoke for talks and medical. #scfc #avfc #skydeadlineday

Woooooo Hoooo .

[pauliewalnuts]

@MatKendrick: Villa would be receptive to Ireland going to Stoke on loan, according to a bear (belonging to a Catholic pope) pooing in the woods

Stephen Ireland now travelling to Stoke for talks and medical. #scfc #avfc #skydeadlineday

Woooooo Hoooo .

[Concrete John]

Wish Holman, Bannan, Ireland going and NZogbia out and clearly given a bomb squad number, surely an attacking mid of some sort is in the pipeline. Even a loan?

Our best form last season was with a flatter midfield three.  We've bought options to suppliment the attack, and change the shape of it if necessary, but the way we've been playing without an AM would suggest one isn't the priority some of us think it is. 

[PeterWithesShin]

I've always said that Stoke are a great club. Never had a bad word to say about them.

[paul_e]

Wish Holman, Bannan, Ireland going and NZogbia out and clearly given a bomb squad number, surely an attacking mid of some sort is in the pipeline. Even a loan?

Our best form last season was with a flatter midfield three.  We've bought options to suppliment the attack, and change the shape of it if necessary, but the way we've been playing without an AM would suggest one isn't the priority some of us think it is. 

I think it is a priority, the links we've seen this summer show that it's something he's interested in, and he used Nzog in that role a fair few times.  I just think the specific requirements are very strict.  He wants someone who will give the work rate and defensive stability of Sylla but can also carry the ball and bring people in to play and score a few in the final 3rd.  The problem is you don't see many players like that, and the good ones (Iniesta, Lampard, Gotze) tend to be at the very big clubs.

[Concrete John]

Wish Holman, Bannan, Ireland going and NZogbia out and clearly given a bomb squad number, surely an attacking mid of some sort is in the pipeline. Even a loan?

Our best form last season was with a flatter midfield three.  We've bought options to suppliment the attack, and change the shape of it if necessary, but the way we've been playing without an AM would suggest one isn't the priority some of us think it is. 

I think it is a priority, the links we've seen this summer show that it's something he's interested in, and he used Nzog in that role a fair few times.  I just think the specific requirements are very strict.  He wants someone who will give the work rate and defensive stability of Sylla but can also carry the ball and bring people in to play and score a few in the final 3rd.  The problem is you don't see many players like that, and the good ones (Iniesta, Lampard, Gotze) tend to be at the very big clubs.

That's pretty much exactly my opinion on it too - when I said 'some of us' I was including myself in that.

But Lambert's got a system where we can get away without one, so if and when he can get the next Iniesta or Lampard he'll do it, but won't buy one for the sake of it.

[rob_bridge]

Ireland going - thank fupp for that.

There have been some waste of spaces at VP during the years but I'll lob him in to the Balaban, Collymore, Callaghan, Curcic pot of disastrous signings.

[paul_e]

Wish Holman, Bannan, Ireland going and NZogbia out and clearly given a bomb squad number, surely an attacking mid of some sort is in the pipeline. Even a loan?

Our best form last season was with a flatter midfield three.  We've bought options to suppliment the attack, and change the shape of it if necessary, but the way we've been playing without an AM would suggest one isn't the priority some of us think it is. 

I think it is a priority, the links we've seen this summer show that it's something he's interested in, and he used Nzog in that role a fair few times.  I just think the specific requirements are very strict.  He wants someone who will give the work rate and defensive stability of Sylla but can also carry the ball and bring people in to play and score a few in the final 3rd.  The problem is you don't see many players like that, and the good ones (Iniesta, Lampard, Gotze) tend to be at the very big clubs.

That's pretty much exactly my opinion on it too - when I said 'some of us' I was including myself in that.

But Lambert's got a system where we can get away without one, so if and when he can get the next Iniesta or Lampard he'll do it, but won't buy one for the sake of it.

I agree, I think he's probably got his eye on a couple of people but just isn't convinced enough just yet.

This signing will be the most important one he makes for us as it's the player to turn draws into wins.  Those are the players that, like Bale, drag you into the CL mix.

I still think, considering age; style; attitude; price and availability, Will Hughes is the best choice but he is very young still and would command a pretty sizeable fee.

[villa kicks]

The  Libor Kozak  signing is a great move another step forward and showing progession. International standard and having played at a top club Lazio wont be fazed in the premier league. I think he will develop a lethal record at Villa and provides genuine fire power to comliment our attacking triumvirate

[olaftab]

I've always said that Stoke are a great club. Never had a bad word to say about them.

and they have one of the best Managers in the business in charge. Surely after this Hughes next job is at Real Madrid.

[olaftab]

The  Libor Kozak  signing is a great move another step forward and showing progession. International standard and having played at a top club Lazio wont be fazed in the premier league. I think he will develop a lethal record at Villa and provides genuine fire power to comliment our attacking triumvirate

and all that from the subs bench. fantastic!

[rob_bridge]

The  Libor Kozak  signing is a great move another step forward and showing progession. International standard and having played at a top club Lazio wont be fazed in the premier league. I think he will develop a lethal record at Villa and provides genuine fire power to comliment our attacking triumvirate

Have you been playing Championship Manager again?

[JUAN PABLO]

Always thought Hughes would want him . He actually played his best football under him.

Still amazed when they asked Craig Bellemy who is the best player you have ever played with , having been at Liverpool , Newcastle and the stars of Man city , he said   stephen  Ireland ;0

[eastie]

Always thought Hughes would want him . He actually played his best football under him.

Still amazed when they asked Craig Bellemy who is the best player you have ever played with , having been at Liverpool , Newcastle and the stars of Man city , he said   stephen  Ireland ;0

I'm surprised Hughes never tried to take him to Fulham - would have done a good job in that side.

[dave.woodhall]

Always thought Hughes would want him . He actually played his best football under him.

Still amazed when they asked Craig Bellemy who is the best player you have ever played with , having been at Liverpool , Newcastle and the stars of Man city , he said   stephen  Ireland ;0

Pele said Paul Scholes was the best in the world.