Sounds like Mannone had a bit of a shocker last night so does anyone still think another loan bid for him would be a good idea? Is Guzan still an option ? if so I think he's probably worth a bid in January.
Guzan's work permit expires in the summer and he's not eligible for another one, so he has to leave the country. A single cock-up doesn't make Mannone any less a keeper, these things happen. But it's Kirkland, Harper and de Vries that we're looking at anyway.
He went on loan to Donny, but lasted only one game before having to return to Wigan with a back spasm, I'm hoping that will put him out the running.
To be honest I would be in favour of both Harper and De Vries, and allow Basso to retire and get his coaching badges then get him as a future GK coach. Simples
In addition to what OLM says about his work permit, I would think he will be needed by Villa for the next month to 6 weeks, because Given in injured.
I think when we first signed Mannone he was a kid with loads of ability who was looking to make people notice him. And he succeeded. Then he got injured and failed to recover from that injury anywhere near as well a he should have. Then when he came back to us, he was shocking; he was obviously worried about hurting himself and he had lost his confidence and self belief. Probably through a lack of games he doesn't seem to have recovered, because from what I saw last night he is a shadow of his former self. We need a new goalie in January. Much as I like Vito in his initial spell with us WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE HIM TIME TO RECOVER HIS SELF-BELIEF AND CONFIDENCE AT OUR FOOTBALL CLUB. Steer clear of this one and sign a keeper with experience but not old. De Vries for me.
It is a bit ironic that Guzan has finally got to be No.1 at Villa(albeit temporarily), just before his work permit expires.
I agree Mannone is a risk too far at this stage -if Basso is not a reliable option because of his injury(s) then we are better going for an experienced solid keeper - someone who will get some good communication going with the back line. Hence my thoughts on Guzan, plus he seemed really positive about his time at the KC Havent seen either De Vries or Harper so can't comment on them
any idea of how much De Vries would cost, always liked him at Swansea very solid championship level keeper.
Unless Wolves are planning on bringing in another keeper, I can't see why they'd let De Vries go. He's currently their No.2, the only other option is Carl Ikeme, who's Donny loan expires in Jan, but he's barely ever played for them, he's mainly been out on loan in the lower leagues(at 8 different clubs).
Mannone may have had a shocker last night, but have some of you got short memories? He was by far and away our best keeper over the last 3 seasons and we have missed him big time. His heart isnt at Arsenal anymore and every keeper has a shocker every so often, but because he hasnt been playing at all its no bloody wonder he did have one.
Contrary to the original thread, surely now is EXACTLY the right time to go for Mannone. He won't be rated at Arsenal at he minute and we might get him cheaper, while he'll be desperate for games to prove his ability. We should offer 400k today.
