Transfers: Gestede BID, Rhodes IN, Ayew & Amavi to CHINA & Veretout OUT?

Uh oh…that’s the unmistakable sound of the frantic, bonkers and nonsensical January transfer window approaching…

Latest Villa transfer news:

Rudy Gestede has reportedly snubbed Tony Pulis at the Albion and Fat Sam at Palace, opting to complete a £6.5m move to Middlesbrough.

The strong striker, who struggled in the Premier League, showed good early season form in The Championship.  However, any successful deal could see Jordan Rhodes make a move in the opposite direction.

Rhodes has similar prowess at Championship level, but has struggled to break through since making the switch to Premier League newboys Middlesbrough.

Amavi & Ayew to China

The steady Jordan Amavi has attracted attention from the bottomless wealth of the Chinese Super League, with John Percy citing that a £25m bid has been rejected.

If proven, this would be a shock bid for the improving full-back…but it remains to be seen who the “mystery” Chinese club is.  This also seems an awfully convenient time for such a large bid, given reported earlier interest from Liverpool.

The next man linked to China is Jordan Ayew, with a story running that Villa’s resolve will be tested with a £10m lure from former Chelsea boss Villas-Boas.

The Ghanaian, who is marmite amongst most Villa fans, is set to miss most of January owing to the upcoming African Cup of Nations.

Veret…who?

Forgotten Frenchman Jordan Veretout [Mathieu Berson?] is apparently subject to a bid from Juventus.

Veretout is currently on a season long loan  at St. Etienne & with Dr Tony indicating via his Twitter account that any move has legs (Juve or not), expect to see a switch in either January or Summer 2017.

Whilst Veretout looked like a tidy footballer [Westwood?], he showed little consistency or end product to suggest that a lasting Villa career would emerge.  It will surprise few when he inevitably moves on permanently.