Reports today indicate that Aston Villa have agreed a fee for Ireland international keeper Shay Given. With Aston Villa needing a first choice keeper since the expiry of Brad Friedel’s contract and subsequent move to Tottenham, many will see Given as an ideal, if short term, solution.
With Given likely to take a pay cut to move to the club, it indicates that the player has a strong focus on wanting to play first team football, and this can only be positive for Aston Villa. After all, if he would prefer to play for us for less money rather than stay on the bench at Manchester City, then it bodes well for his desire to remain competitive.
Downing replacement found?
Reports also link the club to a bid of £10m for Wigan’s Charles N’Zogbia. Seen by many as the ideal replacement for Stewart Downing, N’Zogbia’s transfer moved a step closer with a bid of £10m-£12m likely to allow Aston Villa the chance to speak with the former France U21 player. With the exits of Ashley Young and probably exit of Stewart Downing, the only question is whether Villa need to buy one winger or two. Other reports link Manchester City’s Shaun Wright-Phillips with a move to Villa Park, although such a move seems more likely down to lazy journalism than any solid link.
Midfield general
Finally, it appears that the club will be looking to test the resolve of West Ham for keeping their midfield talisman Scott Parker after reports that Villa have offered £8m for the players services. West Ham were originally thought to prefer loaning Parker out for the season to a Premier League club, but the loan fees being asked for appear to have put clubs off of a deal that would surely benefit West Ham more than the loaning club.
So what are your thoughts? Would Given, N’Zogbia, and Parker steady your nerves a little?
The Author
