Transfer Rumours The 2015 Summer Transfer Window Thread

I'm just looking down the list of PL teams, wondering if there are any (realistic) CBs who stand out to me. I know Williams always get a lot of praise - and he was fantastic when Swansea came to us last season - but I've never quite bought into that hype. So on that basis, I think it's only Shawcross who stands out as someone as I wouldn't mind us signing. And even he is far away from being another Toby.

Abroad it is.

 

To be honest, I think we have a long list of targets and Vlaar is on there, but towards the bottom. He is/was a very good centre back. I know he was awful against us, and not great all season, but I think we could get the best out of him if it comes to it. Not only that, but he could teach the youngsters a thing or two.

Also, I'm not sure he plays on the left-hand side of a CB pairing? I'm sure he's normally in fontes place on the right?

 

I don't really buy the "raising awareness" strategy. Players will be very aware of us because we play in the Premier League. Being in the Europa may enhance that slightly, but not dramatically. Champions League is the only European competition that pushes clubs in the PL to that next level (for a little bit at least). We have already signed a couple of players in recent years from Celtic who are in the CL every year and are a far bigger club than us. Not many players would leave Celtic or Feyenoord or other big clubs in the lesser leagues because they are desperate to play for Southampton. It is because we are seen as a gateway club to more money and more self publicity on a bigger platform, and that is something that we have to try and break if we are truly going to push on to the next level. In reality most of the players coming from teams like this would be happy to sign for the majority of PL teams if they had offered them enough financially. ATM I see us as in a group of about 6-8 teams who in any given season could finish in any particular order and nobody would be that surprised.

 

I think you leave yourself open to disappointment if you feel that every season will be or should be better than the last. If we are 10th next season, it doesn't mean we are on a downward slide to obscurity....we could easily be higher the following season. There are 19 other clubs in the league who can influence what happens to us. The important thing is not to drop our standards, but the odd point or GD could drop you a few places....doesn't spell doom.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...tml?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
According to Daily Mail we missed out on signing Ogbonna.

 

Misprint. Should have said "escaped"

 

I didn't watch barely any U21s football last season, but how good is Jason McCarthy and how far away do you think he is from a first team place? I've seen a couple of people on here sight him as the long-term replacement for Fonte.

 

Just been speaking to a Villa colleague of mine. He said that they all know that Benteke to Liverpool is a done deal, as is Ron Vlaar to Southampton. Said it is a bit like the Toby situation for them, the rumours of the 2 deals are certain?

 

Saw him a couple of times in the u21s last season. Each time he ended up catching the eye. Very composed and always seemingly in the right place.
Central defence is usually a role which a player takes longer to mature into. He is well built, but there is of course a big leap from u21 to first team.

Think he may end up on loan and Stephens could stay as a squad player

 

From what I saw, I'd say Stephens is ahead of him, however Stephens is also strong at CM

 

Thankfully just a bad rumour......

 

I'm 50/50 on Vlaar, as are the Villa fans.

 

Fingers crossed that this is true. Would take Delph though!

 

Delph will end up disappearing in the back of beyond on Man City's bench.....l
I think we will sign a relative unknown CB from Europe .....but secretly hoping for Van Dijk.

 

Just so we can have a good song and dance

 

I hope you have your hand up....new rule for cracking jokes.

 

I'm on an enthralling 2 hour conference call.... I have my feet and hands up

*we need a hands up smilie*

 

Not always needed if joke is genuinely funny.

Gets coat and runs.

 

Interesting that Stephens was chosen as Captain for first friendly....as he said in his interview, he thought several others were ahead of him for that. Means that Ron has noticed him and wanted to encourage him.