JAMES McARTHUR
Villa have been linked along with a host of Premier League and Championship outfits with former Wigan midfielder James McArthur.
McArthur, who came to real prominence within Roberto Martinez’s 2013 FA Cup winning side, is currently surplus to requirements at Crystal Palace after a move in 2014.
Burnley, Brighton, Hull & Villa are all interested parties.
Key Facts:
- Reported fee £2 million.
- Age: 29
- Joined Palace for £7m in 2014
- FA Cup Winner 2013
- 29 caps for Scotland.
- Position: Right centre-midfield.
ALY CISSOKHO
After an underwhelming Villa career, our 29 year old fullback Aly Cissokho is set to join Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor.
The inconsistent Frenchman has struggled throughout his career in England after a meteoric rise via Porto, Lyon & Valencia. After time was called on him at Liverpool, the physical presence and potential lured Villa into making a move.
The reality was that Cissokho was indifferent as a fullback, but woeful going forward. Whilst those around him rarely helped his cause, Cissokho rarely helped himself either.
His transfer will be concluded shortly, with a two year deal already agreed.
CHRIS SAMBA
Read all about the pros, cons and possibilities after Samba’s trial at Villa Park was rewarded with a one year deal:
JORDAN VERETOUT
Despite having failed to establish himself at Villa Park and after a fairly average loan in France, recurring interest in one of the remaining “moneyball” flop signings never ceases to amaze.
Whilst we saw glimmers of “potential”, very little concrete evidence exists to suggest that Veretout has genuine top class quality lurking within him. Indeed, it’s all too easy for us Villa fans with a reasonable memory to recall Mathieu Berson when considering the Frenchman.
All the indications were that Veretout would make his move to St. Etienne permanent with a medical arranged and a straightforward exit assumed. However, with St. Etienne’s 4 year contract and £4m fee accepted, he failed to arrive at the medical.
It’s since transpired that Fiorentina have entered the fray with a £6.2 million offer, presumably requiring a return to the negotiating table. Any deal would see Veretout link up with former Villan Carlos Sanchez and bring an end to another disappointing Aston Villa career with it.
If #avfc are genuinely being offered £6.2m for Veretout by Fiorentina (+sell on clause) – that’s good business. Mathieu Berson all over. pic.twitter.com/F5YTmUeWc0
— Villa Underground (@avfc_vilr) July 20, 2017
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McArthur currently isn’t surplus to requirements to Palace and would cost in the region of £10m. Where do you get this from?!
6.2 Million bid for Veretout by Fiorentina ? Could be seen as a Good bit of Business that, so get him gone asap !
James McArthur ? Villa don’t really need him, we have a overstocked midfield now let alone sign more players. In fact we still need a thorough clearout at AVFC, with the likes ( in my opinion) of players such as Bunn or Steer ( possibly off to Charlton) Richards, Elphick ( possibly off to the Blue Noses or Leeds it seems ) Hutton or De Laet, Cissokho ( possibly off to Turkey ? ) Bacuna ( I just don’t rate him !) Tshibola, Veretout ( off to Spain or Italy it appears ?) Gardner ( shame, but he needs games and its not going to happen at Villa ) Agbonlahor ( get him off the wage bill, not worth keeping just for the Midlands Derby !) and finally McCormack ( who I cant see being happy with a bit part roll next season and full time bench warming !)
Who I feel we do need ? Well i’d like to see Sarkic come up as first team services ( no2 goalkeeper ) eventually but just needs a chance, We need another decent striker to challenge Hogan who’s failed as yet to produce for the Villa, however injuries have been cruel to him also, and finally bring in the youngsters we already have, and give them all there chances when at all possible ( Again current players, Sarkic, Bedeau, Suliman, Davis, Hepburn Murphy, plus maybe one or two more. and of course more game time and fingers crossed regular starts for Green and Grealish, who I feel can offer something different to this forthcoming season….we shall have to wait and see.