Bid in for player, return of a hero and more player links. Welcome back transfer news!

After a few days dominated by Stewart Downing nonsense, the release of a new away kit and confirmation of a new sponsor it’s nice to head back to the transfer speculation we all know and love.

Heading straight into it and the guys over at Vital Wigan are reporting that we’ve put a bid in for Charles N’Zogbia. Vital Villa’s Jon Fear believes his Wigan colleague is (and I hate to use the term) ‘In the Know’ with regards to these things having previously reported the Martinez approach well before the press gotta hold of it. I only wrote about the merits of signing him a few days ago, and to repeat I would love to see him at Villa Park. He scored a decent amount of goals in a struggling side and you’d have to hope he’d get even better at the Villa. He has a year left on his contract so for once let’s be the side that get’s a player for less than he may be worth. McLeish has previously been interested in the player, he’d be a hit with the fans and would prove an adequate replacement for Ashley Young. Get it done Villa!

Now on to a story that appeared late last night, and one that would leave 99% of us extremely happy…..the return of James Milner (again!). While every sensible part of me can’t see it happening, I’d love for there to be even a hint of truth in it. Despite not playing as often as he should, he did win a F.A. Cup winners medal at City, and with the upcoming prospect of playing in the Champions League, I just can’t see it happening. Still I would love love love for Villa to prove me wrong. You only have to look at his attitude when playing against West Ham on the first game of the season, to see that he loves the club, and will give everything he has when stepping on to the field. We missed his all around play, will to win and especially his goals from centre midfield last season. Like I said I can’t see it happening but we can dream, and after all the madness with the managerial appointment, a signing like this would get the fans firmly back on side. Third times a charm….get it done Randy!

Now on to a few other links around and we’ve once again been linked to Ben Foster. I’d be more than happy with this but don’t want to see Villa being held to ransom over the player. In my eyes he is a top keeper and could be our number one for years to come. If the price was too much though, I’d rather see us look elsewhere for a new number one and use the extra money to strengthen other areas.

We’ve also been linked to his team mate Roger Johnson and I’d love us to bring him to the better side in Birmingham. As a Cardiff boy I’ve seen plenty of him and was amazed it took so long for a premiership (now ex!) side to snap him up, the guy is quality. He reads the game extremely well, is quick, good in the air and also brave to boot. I remember watching him years ago and he got elbowed in the throat while playing Crystal Palace. He was knocked out, and when he regained conciousness he was coughing up blood and struggling to breathe. He was clearly in no fit state to continue, yet almost ended up fighting up with his own physio such was his will to play on. Such was the severity of his injury he actually spent time in hospital. I would love to see some of that fighting spirit at the Villa, and with Dann looking like he may be heading elsewhere, I think he’d be a great addition to the squad.

There are also links to Ryan Shawcross and as much as I would love it, I can’t see it happening. Though if Dann does indeed sign with Stoke, that would mean three quality centre backs at the Britannia Stadium (Robert Huth is the other). Surely they couldn’t all play?!

That’s your lot folks and it makes for very exciting reading, would love to see all of the aforementioned players head to the Villa (however unlikely) and that would banish any negativity currently associated with Aston Villa. Randy and the board, it’s over to you!

UTV.

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