After holding talks with French under-19 captain Gueida Fofana, Gerard Houllier has revealed that a deal is unlikely having seemingly disagreed on a wage package for the youngster. Fofana is hotly tipped to be a big talent in his native France and has been touted as the next Patrick Vieira during his time at Ligue 2 side Le Havre. It appeared that Houllier had stolen a march on a number of prospected rival bidders in agreeing a fee for the 19-year-old but a deal now seems dead in the water. Fellow Frenchman and senior team international centre-back Adil Rami is also a no-go for Houllier after the 25-year-old has apparently agreed terms with Valencia. A bid in excess of £10m may have put Villa off making a stronger effort to contest for Rami’s signature who will join the Spanish side at the end of the current season, where he will continue to turn out for Ligue 1 side Lille. In more positive news it seems a deal to bring MLS star Omar Cummings to the club on a short term loan deal could soon be in the offing. The striker, who is equally adept in a wide role, flew to England for a trial with the Midlands club with a view to a loan deal being agreed during the off season of the American league. If a deal is completed, pending a work permit being granted, the 28-year-old will join until March. To view Houllier’s comments on the potential deals for Fofana and Cummings,
Houllier spoke in a press conference regarding the supposed deals for Fofana and Cummings stating:
“The Fofana deal is not done and I doubt it will be done. For the moment, an agreement has not been reached. He’s got potential. He’s a 19-year-old player, very mature, with a strong personality. He was captain of the France side that won the European Under 19 Championships. But I’ve also young players here already and you’ve got to have a balance in terms of wages and abilities. It’s more likely not to happen.”
“The MLS season is finished and Omar will probably be here until March. He is quick and can also play on the wing and, don’t forget, we have not many options up front at this time. I don’t think we can say yet when he will be involved. We need a work permit and things like that so we will see. There’s no cost, no risk.”
To view earlier reports on the links to Fofana, Rami and Cummings respectively, click on the following links;
http://astonvillablog.com/villa-close-in-on-youngster-fofana/
http://astonvillablog.com/ram-raid-villa-rival-valencias-rami-bid/
http://astonvillablog.com/whos-cummings-to-villa/
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