Summer transfer, gossip, speculation thread

[KRS]

Competition for places in defence and midfield. Sign another keeper, winger and forward (in addition to the 3 deals in progress) and we’ll have strength in depth all over the pitch fighting for places in training and games...and that can only be a good thing.

[Percy McCarthy]

Did Westwood pass the drinks sideways?

No, but he pointed others in the right direction.

He got a round of shots in, but everyone complained that they were too weak.

I think he's a bit shy - he just sort of floated in the corner.

[aldridgeboy]

I’m not sure If this counts at ITK.

BUT

I’m randomly in a bar with the Burnley players in
Portugal. Joe Hart is one of them. He reckons Tom Heaton is a  done deal.he Certainly he isn’t here with then.

Heaton isn't with them in the bar, or isn't with them in Portugal?

He wasn’t in the bar. But every other player seemed to be. They had what appeared to be a quite formal meal.

[aldridgeboy]

Edit. Repeat post because I can’t remember what I posted drunk last night.

[Monty]

Strikes me that Konsa, Hourihane, and perhaps Engels can compete with Luiz for the deep lying role, while Hourihane and Luiz can also play further forward and Jack can also play wide if we're going more defensive. Looks quite good and quite flexible - just lacking real cover for Jack, but obviously that's a bit impossible.

[Clampy]

I know next to nothing about these new guys that are supposedly coming in but I really like the direction we are attempting to go in. It all sounds rather promising and fascinating.

[WarszaVillan]

I'd quite like an upgrade on Whelan. I.e. an old head in the middle of park that can play the odd game when needed, be brought on to see out games, etc.

[LeeB]

I'd quite like an upgrade on Whelan. I.e. an old head in the middle of park that can play the odd game when needed, be brought on to see out games, etc.

Busquets could be that man.

[algy]

I'd quite like an upgrade on Whelan. I.e. an old head in the middle of park that can play the odd game when needed, be brought on to see out games, etc.

#annoucemessi

[Drummond]

We're building a well-balanced squad. When you compare to last season, Smith really worked wonders.

If it doesn't work for Smith (not that I've any reason to doubt him), then any manager should be able to work with the squad as there is cover and flexibility built in.

As has been said, a keeper (we know we're going to get one), a striker and another midfielder would complete the squad.

Isn't it nice to have hope?!

[LowerNorthStand]

Neil Maupay not in Brentford squad. Looks like he is off. Maybe Deano is still in for him...

[Rudy65]

Neil Maupay not in Brentford squad. Looks like he is off. Maybe Deano is still in for him...

As long as we don’t pay more than £15m he would be a good signing imo

[Ian.]

We're building a well-balanced squad. When you compare to last season, Smith really worked wonders.

If it doesn't work for Smith (not that I've any reason to doubt him), then any manager should be able to work with the squad as there is cover and flexibility built in.

As has been said, a keeper (we know we're going to get one), a striker and another midfielder would complete the squad.

Isn't it nice to have hope?!

We’ve had so many re-building jobs I have lost count. I’ve been really excited a few times over the years after a transfer window but this time it does feel very different. One thing we know, this manager and probably the first of his kind in a long time to manage the Villa has a system and an exciting way of playing. Players are sort to fit positions needed, not just added because they are available. They are watched or known to fulfil Smith’s way and they all look very comfortable on the ball.

Dare I say it but it feels very exciting and most definitely very very hopeful.

[mr underhill]

I think if we wanted Maupay we'd have bought him by now - i think he'll end up at Sheffield or Brighton.

[Villafirst]

We still need another striker, so signing Maupay is a no brainer. Swap with Hogan plus £10-12m ?