Aston Villa Bumper Press Transfer Talk

Well, what a strange day. The debate has been rumbling on for ages as to whether Villa should take the risk and go for 29-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker, currently out of contract having departed from Newcastle United (who thanks to his contract are still paying his wages his month!). Our forum has 444 odd pages on the subject: (Michael Owen Thread – Click Here )

Looks like it might be too late though if reports today are true. The Sun, amongst others claim Owen is on his way to Manchester United. Don’t blame them, if they can get him/keep him fit, they’ve a world class striker there, the sort that we desperately need at Villa! The report in The Sun comes from one of their chief writers, Shaun Custis. It claims he’ll take a 50% wage cut, fair enough it is obvious he’d have to do that wherever he went. The report also says he’ll have to pass a stringent medical… ok, again, not rocket science this is it?

They also quote a ‘source’ ‘It’s incredible that one day Michael was contemplating a move to Hull and now Manchester United have come in. This is just the boost he needed and now he is hoping that everything can be agreed.’

Everton, Villa, Stoke City and Hull have been linked, Liverpool ruled out a move a good while ago as did Greek side Olympiakos.

Not sure if the reports are true, but must admit, I’d thought Owen was Villa bound… then again, I’d just like to think anyone is Villa bound at the moment! lol

The Daily Star claim that Villa are after Swedish ‘wonderkid’ Marcus Berg who has been linked with us and Spurs several times. Everton are also said to be interested. This report claims Villa have jumped to the front of the queue, certainly hope so, he is young and looks like he’ll go all one way (up .. in case you were wondering!) Berg has 32 goals in 56 games for Dutch team Groningen.

For more details on the player + video: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7501454 Tuesday’s Aston Villa Press Transfer Talk

The same report says that Martin O’Neill will go for Berg because despite wanting Spurs striker Robbie Keane he would have to lose John Carew as part of the deal and he doesn’t want that to happen.

Michel Bastos, who was linked to us yesterday, click here for details and video: http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7501472 Brazilian Left-Back & Bramble?! Transfer Talk! is now, according to the The Daily Mail, also wanted by Spurs. Apparently they are willing to meet the £12million wanted by Lille for the 25-year-old Brazilian left back/left sided midfielder who has been told by the Brazilian coach if he secures a move to the Premier League he’ll get a place in the national team also.

Another link bites the dust? According to The Sun today Middlesbrough defender David Wheater will shun an £8million move to Villa and stay at the Riverside. Birmingham, Stoke and Bolton have also tracked him but Boro want to keep hold of the 22-year-old. They are however looking to offload Stewart Downing and Tuncay both of whom have been linked with Villa.

Wheater, currently recovering from knee surgery, as saying he’ll be ready for the first match v Sheffield United adding, ‘We just have to concentrate on trying to go straight back up again. And if we keep as many players as we can, we have a great chance.’

Hmmm, doesn’t exactly say he won’t move if a bid is made does it?


The Daily Mail says that Hull still want Marlon Harewood (maybe now they know Michael Owen isn’t available they’ll make a quick move for the former West Ham striker?) Apparently Phil Brown is willing to pay £1.5million.

This is an interesting one. I was told in confidence a good while ago that 32-year-old Arsenal defender William Gallas might be an option. Now the rumour has made it onto a gossip site as well. 2+2= still no idea! lol

And from yesterday, the link to Wigan defender Titus Bramble seems to have been ruled out: Phew.. Titus Bramble Ruled Out!

+ with rumours still doing the rounds that Villa will take Sol Campbell who is now available on a free transfer, here was a Sky interview video thingy-me-jig from yesterday: Sol Campbell On Villa Link