Summer 2016: Transfer rumours and suggestions

[Clampy]

After 4 years away from football, i'd be very surprised if Petrov was in the starting line up.

[OCD]

Petrov will sit at the base of the midfield, not box-to-box. I think he'll get his share of games.

Ayew could be a goalscorer with the right supply and given that it's a step down.

[RussellC]

After 4 years away from football, i'd be very surprised if Petrov was in the starting line up.

I've got to be honest, I'll be absolutely amazed if he's even given a contract. He's just turned 37, which is a ripe-old-age for a professional footballer at any level, let alone one who's body will have been through so much in the last few years. The standard of the Championship may not be the same as the Premiership but the pace and physical demand will be just as high, especially for a central midfielder.

As lovely as it is to see him training with the first team, I fear we need to hold-fire on our expectations of a full-on comeback.

[mr underhill]

just having him around as a reminder of the stoicism, fortitude and determination he has shown since his illness, should be a fillip to everyone at the club.

[RussellC]

just having him around as a reminder of the stoicism, fortitude and determination he has shown since his illness, should be a fillip to everyone at the club.

Completely agree. And whoever's idea it was (and I have a sneaky feeling Sir Brian might have been involved) deserves a hearty pat on the back. We had absolutely nobody in the squad last season to set the benchmark for professionalism. If nothing else, I really hope that they find a role for him on the coaching-staff.

[tomd2103]

The new Villa is starting to take shape, I do think the line up starting next season could be completely different to the one finishing next season. For example;

                    New Keeper (TBC but seems there will def be one)

Hutton    Okore      Elphick       Amavi
                         
                   Tshibola
           Gardner      Petrov

    Traore                 Grealish
                  Ayew

I would rather see:

                    New Keeper

New RB    Okore       Elphick        Amavi

               Veretout     Tshibola

Traore             Grealish             Ayew

                     New Striker

[eddiemunster]

The new Villa is starting to take shape, I do think the line up starting next season could be completely different to the one finishing next season. For example;

                    New Keeper (TBC but seems there will def be one)

Hutton    Okore      Elphick       Amavi
                         
                   Tshibola
           Gardner      Petrov

    Traore                 Grealish
                  Ayew

I would rather see:

                    New Keeper

New RB    Okore       Elphick        Amavi

               Veretout     Tshibola

Traore             Grealish             Ayew

                     New Striker

Totally agree with this!
Re Petrov, don't know if it's true but was told he's been signed on as part of the coaching staff.

[Clark W Griswold]

I wouldn't like to be relying on Okore, Grealish, Traore and Veretout to deliver the goods next season. I also think Petrov will be more likely on the bench especially to start with and it's possible Amavi and Ayew won't be with us although I certainly hope they are. We also haven't seen much of Gardner yet to form a proper opinion and Whilst I could live with playing Hutton as regular right back a new one might be better. Otherwise, good call :-)

[brian green]

It would be worth having Stan as non playing captain, team, not club.  His presence in the dressing room would be inspirational. If any player got stroppy Stan could show him the shopping bag of drugs he has to take just to be standing there.

[tomd2103]

I wouldn't like to be relying on Okore, Grealish, Traore and Veretout to deliver the goods next season. I also think Petrov will be more likely on the bench especially to start with and it's possible Amavi and Ayew won't be with us although I certainly hope they are. We also haven't seen much of Gardner yet to form a proper opinion and Whilst I could live with playing Hutton as regular right back a new one might be better. Otherwise, good call :-)

I hope Okore comes good next season, as I think there is a good player in there.  As for the others, I think they will be, if we can establish a strong core of players, the type of players that can be rotated here and there (although I hope Veretout really establishes himself in central midfield as well if he stays).   

[mattjpa]

I put Stan in there was because last season, when the chips were down there was nobody taking charge. In Elphick we have a captain but Petrov could be a real presence in there. Granted, not every game but if he got 60-70mins and played every 2-3 games I think we would win more points with him in the side.As others have said though, maybe Veretout is the better option for the majority of time over the course of a long season. Re Hutton, I think he is absolutely made for the Championship. Energy, Guile, Workrate and strength. Maybe not the best attacking option but he is an option through sheer endevour. if Richards will concede his attempt to play CB has failed and go back there, I think RB is well covered.

[VILLA MOLE]

Well my step son and his mates are all Reading ST holders and think we have a steal. They are gutted to see him go and said think Delph but much stronger.  That'll do for me!

bit less scaly with a  shorter tongue

[chrisw1]

I certainly don't have a problem with Hutton.  Whilst he is no Kyle Walker he has got the heart of a lion and should be good enough for the Championship, particularly if Amavi is providing a marauding threat on the left.  There are many positions where we are more in need than this.  Of course if a talented young right back becomes available at a good price then absolutely we should snap him up, but if not I think Hutton can do a very decent job for us at this level.

[aj2k77]

If Petrov plays for us next season we will struggle like fuck in Midfield again. Lovely bloke, great story, courage in bucket loads but he's finished as a pro footballer.

[godzvilla]

Another signing is ´en route´( according to Tuttomercatoweb...  http://footballleagueworld.co.uk/aston-villa-set-to-complete-deal-for-former-21-year-old-italian-star/? ).......Godzvilla! .

ASTON VILLA SET TO COMPLETE DEAL FOR 21-YEAR-OLD ITALIAN STAR
Date: 5th July 2016 at 9:15am
Written by: Lee Connor

Aston Villa are set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, according to Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb.

The report claims that the 21-year-old goalkeeper has left Italy and flown to England for talks about a deal set to be worth a reported £5m.

New Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo is keen to add new players to his squad, backed by new owner Tony Xia’s funds, and has identified Gollini as the ideal replacement for Brad Guzan and Mark Bunn.

Gollini has already had a spell in England following his apprenticeship with Manchester United, but failed to make an impression at Old Trafford before being moved on to Verona.

The stopper impressed last season for Verona, where his performances have caught the eye of a number of clubs in Europe. However, it appears Di Matteo will be using his Italian connections to lure Gollini to Villa Park as his squad rebuild continues.