We were linked to Belhanda in January as well. He's got a pretty good scoring record (12 in Ligue 1 in 2011-12, 10 in 2012-13), plus from what I've seen (admittedly almost entirely on Youtube) he's quick, has tons of skill, and is a bit of a Total Footballer as he can play on the wing, on the whole, in central midfield, or even right wing back. If we had an attacking midfield trio of Lennon, Belhanda and Bale, seeing the three of them in full flight on the counter could be a sight to see, although will that be enough for teams who show up to shut up shop?
Are we to believe this? http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...tenham-transfers-aston-villas-benteke-1932130 Why would we unload a striker to bring one in?
I don't think it is ROO,I completely agree with it. Defoe has often started well for us and then faded as he did last season and so does Adebayor do the same. I'd give him away. Off loading Defoe should have been done a couple of years ago imo as he missed sitters. That howler against City cost us dearly. I don't see him as our future and why he's stunned I don't know. I don't totally rate Bentenke and I'll do the same with him as I did with Bent and that is have more hope that he'll do well rather than confidence. Bentenke and another striker might work but I'd prefer two other strikers and a youngster to come from the ranks to act as back up. I think Bentenke scored what two more goals than Defoe last season? Maybe with better players surrounding him than he had at Villa would help him but.......................!
TMT kind of agree- Defoe is a frustrating player to watch. He is kind of a fair weather player scores when the sun shines but when the cold weather sets in the goals dry up. I wouldn't mind him going to Villa as he won't be a threat to us, as you say Benteke possible a one season wonder.
Just been reading,Belhandra,5 concrete bids,the only English one is from Villa,and we are supposed to be interested in Benitize,no not Rafa,Christian the ex Birmingham Striker.Is it true that Mata is not wanted by Mour?,if it is Get in there AVB asap
Nah a fiver and a packet of of Walkers S&V will get him! Seriously though can't imagine he'd want to offload one of their best last season.
Because they read my comments on here from three months ago suggesting a cash + Dempsey for Benteke, but decided they needed to make it more implausible so changed it for Defoe?
Villa will obviously try very hard to keep Benteke. Or, if they are forced to sell they'll ask for top money. All of this means that his coming to us is unlikely, IMO. Benteke will, I think, push for a move. He must realise that Villa are crap and that he was probably the difference between Villa getting relegated, and not. He reportedly has several suitors - Levy won't pay up. So, I think, as usual, we'll get outbid.
He thought Villa were a London club when he signed, so maybe he wants to live in London? I doubt Chelsea want him so unless Arsenal do we are the best placed if he still wants to live in London
I don't see Bentenke as Arsenal,Spurs or Chelsea,I see him as Villa and a move might be a Torres or a Carroll like catastrophe.
It's a tough one when you make assumptions based on a one-season impact. There have been many examples of one-season wonders, but I can't give examples as they've all been forgotten now. Maybe the Belgian connection is something that would help though. Do we know how well he knows / gets on with our Belgians? I'm all for having a connection, and I just don't mean a lot of French people like Newcastle, I mean these are Belgians that actually play regularly for the national team. We could do worse than get a couple of others from that team too!
We're now being linked with Etienne Capoue, which makes little sense - even if, as expected, we sell Huddlestone and Livermore this summer we still have Sandro, Dembele, Holtby and Parker as central/defensive midfielders. He looks like a good player, don't get me wrong, but he looks very similar in style to Dembele - when what we need from midfield is creativity. Also, as Toulouse want to keep hold of him, that weakens out negotiating position and we'd have to pay upwards of £12m.
Signing Benteke + Lukaku (assuming he wants out when Mourinho spunks a shed load of cash) would be fantastic for us IMO.
Anybody remember this guy?.....can't say I do. http://www1.skysports.com/football/...tez-among-Tottenham-s-summer-transfer-targets