All the latest Villa related transfer news and updates:
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LIBOR KOZAK
Good news for former Villa striker Libor Kozak, he’s secured a deal with Serie B side FC Bari.
Released by Steve Bruce following a horrendous run of injuries at Villa Park, Kozak will now look to rebuild his fitness, reputation and career in Italy.
PIERRE-MICHEL LASOGGA
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Various outlets are reporting that the unwanted Hamburg striker is “in talks” with Leeds, Wolves & Villa as sides look to finalise their business before the close of the window.
Lasogga is surplus to requirements by the Bundesliga side and Leeds are in the market for a striker after losing Chris Wood (to Burnley) and with Middlesbrough rebuffing a bid for former Villa striker Rudy Gestede.
A major stumbling block are Lasogga’s massive wage demands – circa £50,000 per week. Naturally, Hamburg would be expecting to recoup a significant proportion of this from any potential suitor, but in their desperation to offload him are willing to shoulder some of the financial burden.
Lasogga is officially permitted to speak to clubs, so it is a fact that he will be considering his options over the next 48 hours. Less clear, is whether Villa have any genuine interest in pursuing his signature.
With Scott Hogan looking sharper, Keinan Davis impressing and Jonathan Kodjia set to return to the fold, would there be room for another striker? Further, could the funds be put to better use strengthening a thread-bare left side of the team?
Additionally, there is the unresolved matter of what Bruce’s plans for Ross McCormack are (presumably looking for a deal elsewhere) and what part Gabby Agbonlahor will be playing over the course of the season? (*Gulp)
Lasogga Key Facts:
- 25 years old
- Position: Striker
- Stats: 30 goals in 107 career appearances
- Puzzle: Just 1 goal in 30 games for Hamburg.
- German U21 international: 4 goals in 11 games.
- Joined Hamburg from Hertha Berlin in 2013. Was with Bayer Leverkusen prior to this.
- Currently 5th choice striker.
GARY GARDNER
Perhaps one of the more surprising facts of the transfer window is that Gary Gardner is still at Villa Park.
The once promising midfielder, hampered by injury and subsequent lack of development, looks set to leave by Thursday.
Whilst it was expected that Gardner’s move to Forest was a formality (listen to the Podcast to hear how that fell through), a number of Championship clubs have shown an interest with QPR suddenly linked with a deal.
Whilst Gardner is a likeable, quiet figure in the Villa squad, he has never developed into the midfielder we’d have hoped for. It was telling in the recent win against Wigan that despite playing a great ball which lead to Hogan’s first goal, that the rest of the 90 minutes he was completely overshadowed by rookie midfielder Doyle-Hayes.
The academy graduate now sits firmly down the pecking order in a Villa side with a many midfield options. The only logical outcome is a swift exit before the transfer window closes.