Villa to look to Marc Albrighton in the wake of Young and Downing departures
Aston Villa fans will not have enjoyed watching England international wingers Ashley Young and Stewart Downing leave the club to move to Manchester United and Liverpool this summer, and Alex McLeish will be slightly worried about his side’s lack of width in their absence. Although difficult and expensive to replace, the new man at the helm at Villa Park will be mightily relieved that he has the pace, versatility and quality of Marc Albrighton to call upon.
With Charles N’Zogbia’s impending transfer to the club from Wigan, Villa have replaced like for like, and the France international will harbour the responsibility of recreating some of Downing’s exploits down the left. The ex-Newcastle player contributed valuable goals to the Latics successful relegation escape last term, and like Downing likes to drift in-field and provide support to the strikers.
Patience to Pay Off in N’Zogbia Deal for Villa
It was announced today that Aston Villa and Wigan had finally reached a deal regarding an asking price for the Latics’ want-away winger Charles N’Zogbia. Read more
Update: Bent Hopes for N’Zog Deal, Walsall Report, Ireland Injured?
Filed under: Injury News, Match Reports, Quoted, Transfer News
Very little news on the transfer front at Villa Park ahead of the club’s trip to Hong Kong this weekend suggests that move for N’Zogbia may well be in the balance due to the prolonged nature of the proceedings. Either way, Villa striker Darren Bent, who hit the ground running in the clubs opening friendly with Walsall last night, claims that the Frenchman would be a great signing, for the benefit of both himself and the club. Read more
Update: N’Zogbia Striking, Naugthon and Mariga Liking?
Reports from today’s Telegraph and Daily Mail suggest that long-time Villa target Charles N’Zogbia is set to go on strike from Wigan in order to push a deal through. Read more
Villa Linked with Pjanic Buy in Battle with Spurs and Lazio
Despite manager Alex McLeish stating that Villa would only make one more top signing this summer as things stand, the club were today linked with Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic and are reportedly in a battle with Spurs and Lazio for his signature. Read more
One More in Rules Out Parker While N’Zogbia Alternatives Being Readied
At yesterday evening’s home kit unveiling, which was more of a look at what you’ve already seen session for most but a successful one at that, Alex McLeish revealed that the club are likely to make just one more ‘top’ signing, with a winger to replace Downing and Young the priority. Read more
Given Deal Finally Finalised
Aston Villa have officially confirmed the signing of 35-year-old keeper Shay Given from Manchester City with a fee believed to have been agreed at around £3.5m for the Irishman. Read more
McLeish to Decide Upon Sticking with N’Zogbia or Switching Interest to McGeady
It has been reported today that Wigan have rebuffed a bid from Villa for star man Charles N’Zogbia, while it remains to be seen as to whether the club are willing to give in to Dave Whelan’s demands. Read more
Update: Canales Unlikely but Sturridge Could be Available on Loan
Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Canales has quashed speculation that he could make the switch from Spain to England on a loan deal after stating that if he is not played at the Bernabeu next season he will look to stay in La Liga. In other news new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas failed to rule out the prospect of sending Daniel Sturridge out on loan again next year, with Villa rumoured to be interested. Read more
Given Expected, Parker & N’Zogbia Bids in Place
Villa fans could well see the club make their first summer signings next week, with Man City keeper Shay Given expected to be the first man to join Alex McLeish’s rebuilding process at Villa Park. Read more
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