Transfer Speculation / Gossip

[tomd2103]

If we don't get two players in on loan in our predicament we're absolutely crazy

Has Nick Powell been playing for Utd pre-season? He looked really good for Wigan last year and I;m sure would improve us. Can play anywhere across the midfield or as a striker. Think he's a mate of westwood's too, which might persuade him to come.

Edit: Just checked. He was left out of the squad that went to the USA.

Would be a decent loan signing.  Can play as a striker or in the "number 10" role. 

[Mister E]

If we don't get two players in on loan in our predicament we're absolutely crazy

Has Nick Powell been playing for Utd pre-season? He looked really good for Wigan last year and I;m sure would improve us. Can play anywhere across the midfield or as a striker. Think he's a mate of westwood's too, which might persuade him to come.

Edit: Just checked. He was left out of the squad that went to the USA.

Would be a decent loan signing.  Can play as a striker or in the "number 10" role. 

True, although we really need a credible, experienced and effective midfield enforcer.

[Ryu]

If we don't get two players in on loan in our predicament we're absolutely crazy

Has Nick Powell been playing for Utd pre-season? He looked really good for Wigan last year and I;m sure would improve us. Can play anywhere across the midfield or as a striker. Think he's a mate of westwood's too, which might persuade him to come.

Edit: Just checked. He was left out of the squad that went to the USA.

Would be a decent loan signing.  Can play as a striker or in the "number 10" role. 

True, although we really need a credible, experienced and effective midfield enforcer.

Do we though?  I read this a lot on here but who has an "enforcer" these days?  Having a Boateng type in midfield, who's great at winning the ball but poor technically is pointless these days where heavy tackles get you booked straight away.  They type of player needed these days for that sort of job is a Petrov/Barry.  Someone who reads the game well and is a consistent passer.  Lambert signed Westwood to do that job and I don't think it's just physicality that means he hasn't quite been as effective as we'd like.  You wouldn't call Carrick an enforcer but he can control a game from midfield.  Jordan Henderson is hal the size of Sylla but who would you rather have deep in our midfield?

Sorry it sounds like I'm having ago at you but I've read loads of times that we need a big bugger running around our midfield but I think the game has changed.

We never replaced Stan and it's had a massive impact, I think.  Who's out there though?  I thought Ki would have been a brilliant signing to do the job I'm talking about.  If we were prepared to spend a few million on him hopefully Lambert can pull something out the bag from somewhere.

[SoccerHQ]

Yeah that's why Ki was targeted I think, a sort of similar player to Petrov from what I've seen.

[Mellin]

After a difficult first year or two, Petrov really made that position his own. That solid ball player is probably the player we miss the most, as it would help in other areas too. Freeing up Delph a little, as well as providing cover for our ropey back line.

[Hale]

Excluding those U21 we need to move on 4 of the current squad to bring in the 2 players RL has alluded to (Ki & Moses, or equivalents) and have the 25 max.

I would choose to loan/tfr Stevens, Herd, Tonev and Johnson.

However, if there are limited offers for those players, then Bennett and Baker are alternatives.

 

[Mister E]

Do we though?  I read this a lot on here but who has an "enforcer" these days?  Having a Boateng type in midfield, who's great at winning the ball but poor technically is pointless these days where heavy tackles get you booked straight away.  They type of player needed these days for that sort of job is a Petrov/Barry.  Someone who reads the game well and is a consistent passer.  Lambert signed Westwood to do that job and I don't think it's just physicality that means he hasn't quite been as effective as we'd like.  You wouldn't call Carrick an enforcer but he can control a game from midfield.  Jordan Henderson is hal the size of Sylla but who would you rather have deep in our midfield?

Sorry it sounds like I'm having ago at you but I've read loads of times that we need a big bugger running around our midfield but I think the game has changed.

We never replaced Stan and it's had a massive impact, I think.  Who's out there though?  I thought Ki would have been a brilliant signing to do the job I'm talking about.  If we were prepared to spend a few million on him hopefully Lambert can pull something out the bag from somewhere.

Who said anything about "poor technically" or "a big bugger running around"?
I maybe shouldn't have termed it enforcer because I absolutely agree that it is a Barry or a Petrov that we need (neither of whom were / are shy of making a tackle).
The key words for me were "credible, experienced and effective": these were deliberately used in the context of Westwood and KEA, because I don't think they tick those boxes. Whilst I have been a fan of Westwood, he has not pushed on (for whatever reason) and has not been the imposing 'director of play' that Barry, Petrov, Gerrard, Fabregas and others were or can be. In fact, his movement off the ball and when back-peddling has been poor.
I realise that we're not going to get a Barry or a Fabregas but we need someone who can dominate the midfield with their movement, reading / anticipation and dynamism.

So, apologies if I misled you with the terms but I think we're saying the same thing.

[tomd2103]

After a difficult first year or two, Petrov really made that position his own. That solid ball player is probably the player we miss the most, as it would help in other areas too. Freeing up Delph a little, as well as providing cover for our ropey back line.

Totally agree.  If we had a defensive midfielder like that (Huddlestone probably would have been a realistic target last year) it would free up Delph to get forward more.  What we really need is that type of defensive midfielder with Delph and a player like him either side. 

[Ryu]

Do we though?  I read this a lot on here but who has an "enforcer" these days?  Having a Boateng type in midfield, who's great at winning the ball but poor technically is pointless these days where heavy tackles get you booked straight away.  They type of player needed these days for that sort of job is a Petrov/Barry.  Someone who reads the game well and is a consistent passer.  Lambert signed Westwood to do that job and I don't think it's just physicality that means he hasn't quite been as effective as we'd like.  You wouldn't call Carrick an enforcer but he can control a game from midfield.  Jordan Henderson is hal the size of Sylla but who would you rather have deep in our midfield?

Sorry it sounds like I'm having ago at you but I've read loads of times that we need a big bugger running around our midfield but I think the game has changed.

We never replaced Stan and it's had a massive impact, I think.  Who's out there though?  I thought Ki would have been a brilliant signing to do the job I'm talking about.  If we were prepared to spend a few million on him hopefully Lambert can pull something out the bag from somewhere.

Who said anything about "poor technically" or "a big bugger running around"?
I maybe shouldn't have termed it enforcer because I absolutely agree that it is a Barry or a Petrov that we need (neither of whom were / are shy of making a tackle).
The key words for me were "credible, experienced and effective": these were deliberately used in the context of Westwood and KEA, because I don't think they tick those boxes. Whilst I have been a fan of Westwood, he has not pushed on (for whatever reason) and has not been the imposing 'director of play' that Barry, Petrov, Gerrard, Fabregas and others were or can be. In fact, his movement off the ball and when back-peddling has been poor.
I realise that we're not going to get a Barry or a Fabregas but we need someone who can dominate the midfield with their movement, reading / anticipation and dynamism.

So, apologies if I misled you with the terms but I think we're saying the same thing.

Yeah I think we are.  I think I've just seen a few posts saying we need a defensive shield in midfield and the like and I don't think any team needs that out and out defensive midfielder these days.  And I'm sure I saw someone use the term big bugger somewhere on this thread so that's why I said it!  They don't even need to be a physically strong player or one who makes lots of tackles.  You're right that someone like Fabregas is exactly what we need.

In Villa terms our midfield would be improved more with a Petrov than a Reo-Coker.  I agree with Tomd that Huddlestone would work in that role.  He's a similar player to Barry but even less mobile! 

I think when he was fit Darren Fletcher was very good in that role.  Any chance of him being available for loan?

[old man villa fan]

If we have got £10m to spend, I would go out and get 3 good experienced players on loan at £50k a week and save the remaining £2.5m until the January sales.

If Lerner is playing it tight with the money and if I was Lambert I would be thinking "sod the future, it is all about this season".  Lambert has got a limited time to save his job at Villa and potentially in the PL.  If he can get it right this season, I believe he has a future at this club.

With what we have, two midfield players and a skillful forward would make a world of difference.  At £50k a week we ought to be able to get some good players but they may have to be from overseas, particularly the midfield players.

[Des Little]

If we have got £10m to spend, I would go out and get 3 good experienced players on loan at £50k a week and save the remaining £2.5m until the January sales.

If Lerner is playing it tight with the money and if I was Lambert I would be thinking "sod the future, it is all about this season".  Lambert has got a limited time to save his job at Villa and potentially in the PL.  If he can get it right this season, I believe he has a future at this club.

With what we have, two midfield players and a skillful forward would make a world of difference.  At £50k a week we ought to be able to get some good players but they may have to be from overseas, particularly the midfield players.

Completely agree

[N'ZMAV]

a left back, a wide player and a defensive midfielder. Please.

[Toronto Villa]

a left back, a wide player and a defensive midfielder. Please.

We have two LBs already. Why do you want another?

[tomd2103]

a left back, a wide player and a defensive midfielder. Please.

We have two LBs already. Why do you want another?

If Richardson gets injured, we are relying on Stevens, Bennett or one of Clark or Baker playing out of position.  Might be worth saving a loan for that eventuality.

[N'ZMAV]

a left back, a wide player and a defensive midfielder. Please.

We have two LBs already. Why do you want another?

If Richardson gets injured, we are relying on Stevens, Bennett or one of Clark or Baker playing out of position.  Might be worth saving a loan for that eventuality.

Because the others are shite and need selling