Summer 2016: Transfer rumours and suggestions

[Duncan Shaw]

£4.5m for Mo Diame? I'd definitely have a piece of that pie

Yes I was reading an article in the I paper this morning about Newcastle's business, very impressive actually and done at a pretty good net price, as they had a few they could get good money for.  Makes the Clark thing more bewildering as to why they would want to sully that good work!!

[Clark W Griswold]

I think that De Matteo has been assessing the squad for a while, which is fair enough, we are now looking to off load some, as you'd expect, it can be a slow process, as you'd expect and we are not willing to bring any more players in until the squad numbers and wages are reduced, which is understandable. We have bought 3 in so far which is fairly standard by this time anyway. No panic yet. If we get to Sept 1st or 2nd or whatever it is with exactly the same squad as we have now I might question whether they've done a very good job sorting the squad out, but even at that stage it would be too early to be questioning where the money is.

[Ads]

it's precisely that strategy that worries me . No PL player worth his salt is going to actively want to join us after last season's horror show, and the preceeding  four seasons of struggle. FFS if Bristol City can unearth a 20 goals a season player who has no association with the english leagues why can't we? I thought one of the USP's of RDM's appointment was his extensive network of contacts and influence.There is no evidence of that at the moment.

Elphick isn't worth his salt?

[mr underhill]

didn't look hugely comfortable on Saturday. You have to be realistic about this, we have been in decline for years so it's not unreasonable to assume really top quality PL players won't have us at the top of their wish list. If we are waiting on PL players to make up their minds I think that is a risky strategy.

[Ads]

I am comfortable that I am being realistic thanks.

I don't believe we're shopping in the same market as Chelsea or Man City.

[Jim Shoes]

I'm hoping that RDM can get at least a decent forward in before Sunday but I know it's not enough.

I still agree, at least in part with what Hollaway said as I think we are in for a difficult season. No matter what Dr Xia writes on twitter I think he's over estimating the manager's abilities because imho I don't think SAF could make a team out of this squad, even at this level.

A mate of mine once said "you can't polish a turd....but you can put glitter on it" so far I think RDM is still trying to polish it before he tries adding some glitter. Unfortunately no matter what a turds still a turd. This squad needs a major rebuild but by the time RDM works it out it might be too late.
 

[Malandro]

I am comfortable that I am being realistic thanks.

I don't believe we're shopping in the same market as Chelsea or Man City.

Nothing wrong with thinking we can attract good players - we can. We are a big club and I don't think it would be hard to put our project across to young, promising European players.
Especially with a wedge they have never seen before.

[VillaAlways]

Having medical today according to Pat Murphy

Ciaran Clark having medical today with Newcastle after £5.1m break-clause activated. Understand @AVFCOfficial wanted him to stay.

[VillaAlways]

More from Pat...

Appears @AVFCOfficial have revived interest in Ross McCormack & Patrick Bamford after drawing blanks elsewhere.Purely exploratory thus far.

[ASHTONVILLA]

More from Pat...

Appears @AVFCOfficial have revived interest in Ross McCormack & Patrick Bamford after drawing blanks elsewhere.Purely exploratory thus far.

If we got either or both of those we will be in better shape. Both will score 20 goals at this level.

[Ads]

I think they'd score goals, but they're not as mobile as I would like.

[VinnieChase84]

Best part of Clark going is the end of seeing his name misspelled

[ASHTONVILLA]

I think they'd score goals, but they're not as mobile as I would like.

An improvement on Gestede then (Not mobile and doesn't score goals). Although in fairness I still think Gestede will be a good option to come off the bench this season.

[Clark W Griswold]

Having medical today according to Pat Murphy

Ciaran Clark having medical today with Newcastle after £5.1m break-clause activated. ***Understand @AVFCOfficial wanted him to stay.***

This is the bit that worries me, what did they see?

[Duncan Shaw]

Having medical today according to Pat Murphy

Ciaran Clark having medical today with Newcastle after £5.1m break-clause activated. Understand @AVFCOfficial wanted him to stay.

Can't understand why he'd have a clause.  He may prosper there, but it really is best for all concerned that we part ways now, I suspect he'll never get any better here.