January 2016 - Transfer Rumours, Speculation & Suggestions

[Whiney MacWhineface]

Cole's a difficult one. Has his speed gone? Having played bugger-all for over a year what's his fitness like? What's his attitude like at the butt-end of a pretty stellar career?

On the other hand he's been one of the best defenders in the world and arguably the best in his position for much of his career. Could be the perfect stop-gap, could be Robert Pires.

[passitsideways]

Do we know if Roma have been telling him to stay away completely, or is it more of a bomb squad arrangement where he turns up and trains but has no chance at getting a game?

[Whiney MacWhineface]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/14/ashley-cole-roma-left-out-squad

He's no longer with them. He's a free agent apparently.

[Steve67]

If he is unattached, he could come and get fit with Villa now. Can also sign and play straight away if needed to. Not sure why we would have to wait til January if he's a free agent?

[Lastfootstamper]

If he is unattached, he could come and get fit with Villa now. Can also sign and play straight away if needed to. Not sure why we would have to wait til January if he's a free agent?

Isn't it something to do with not being a free agent at the close of the last window? I think the topic got broached during the Adebayor saga.

[Dave]

If he is unattached, he could come and get fit with Villa now. Can also sign and play straight away if needed to. Not sure why we would have to wait til January if he's a free agent?

Isn't it something to do with not being a free agent at the close of the last window? I think the topic got broached during the Adebayor saga.

I think there's also a bit of dispute about whether he actually has been released. He's not listed in their squad, but on his various social media things he describes himself as "Footballer for @OfficialASRoma"

So he still thinks that's who he plays for.

[oswald funkletrumpet]

personally i wouldnt touch cole as if he did come it would be to feather his pension pot

we need to be looking longer term, try kinsella or llori

[cdbearsfan]

Why is the assumption that any player over 30 would only be after the money? I'm sure he could go to America or an Arab nation if that's his only concern.

And do we think that our young signings don't think quite a lot about what sort of cash we'll be paying before deciding whether to sign?

[eamonn]

If he is unattached, he could come and get fit with Villa now. Can also sign and play straight away if needed to. Not sure why we would have to wait til January if he's a free agent?

Isn't it something to do with not being a free agent at the close of the last window? I think the topic got broached during the Adebayor saga.

I think there's also a bit of dispute about whether he actually has been released. He's not listed in their squad, but on his various social media things he describes himself as "Footballer for @OfficialASRoma"

So he still thinks that's who he plays for.

Or can't be arsed to update his facespace etc.

[Gregorys Boy]

Signing Cole would be another stab in the dark.  He may help perk up the dressing room, beyond that I just seen him as another who will be behind the pace, and a shadow of his former self.  Think we may need a core of experience players who are still at a reasonably young age and could give us a couple of good years too.

[Ads]

He was quite comfortably the best let back in the world. His shadow is ten times the player of Richardson or Bacuna.

[eamonn]

As long has his shadow hasnt fattened-up too much.

[Toronto Villa]

As long has his shadow hasnt fattened-up too much.

He certainly didn't look fat in the recent charity game at Old Trafford. His intelligence and leadership, let alone his ability is head and shoulders above what we have available now. He's more than good enough for this season.

[Rigadon]

He was quite comfortably the best let back in the world. His shadow is ten times the player of Richardson or Bacuna.

Agree.  If we can get Cole we should.

[preston28]

January targets for me would be:
1. Score some goals
2. Stop conceding goals
3. Win some games.

😜