I only went out for a pint and all of a sudden rumours have started popping up all over the place, or at least that's how it feels.

Rumour of the window for me, unless we pay £35mn. for Jose Bosingwa has to be that Marlon Harewood looks like he is heading off on loan to either Middlesbrough, Derby or Charlton.

Now, call me mad as a hatter or a stupid old fool but I always thought, and there is always a chance I'm wrong, that players from one Premier League club could only be loaned to other Premier League clubs on season long loans? If I'm right then that makes this rumour a classic before it's even begun.

If I'm wrong; pass the bottle. Either way, I can't see this happening unless there has been a falling out as Harewood, for me, has looked a decent bet when he's come on, as long as I forget about that incident at Spurs.

The other story of someone leaving is Martin Laursen going to Spurs. I'll say no more on this because it simply can't be allowed to happen.

In other news or one plus one equals six type speculation, we're about to sign Giles Barnes for £3.5mn. from Derby. Now, when I wrote about this a while ago, I had no real recollection of ever seeing this lad play but I've seen him on TV a couple of times now and he looks like he might have something, but I'm still to be convinced.

Or am I really? I'd need convincing if we purchased another unknown quantity from overseas. We brought in that Salifou bloke at the end of the summer and we've not seen him play yet and it looks like we'll be bringing in another player who will pick up a decent wage for playing reserve team football in PSG striker Loris Arnaud, if you believe the rumour mill that is.

It's all just talk at the moment and Martin O'Neill isn't exactly talking the talk that anything is likely to happen very soon - but that's on the official site, so it could have been said last January.

Comments (41)

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on the pee my lord, on the pee said:

Looks like we have missed out on one of the best right backs in britain tonight .. with Hutton going to Spurs, sadly!!!! Barnes i would have him, Defoe please and why not chuck in a late bid for Hutton?????

January 03, 2008

joe w said:

i think we should offer £2m harwood on loan for barnes

January 03, 2008

Jimmy D said:

The Harewood loan could happen. Djourou went on a 4 month loan from Arsenal to Blues. We simply can't let Laursen go and I don't think O'Neill would let it happen. He's proved himself to be a world class defender and is one of the best defenders we've had in years. I think we should stay away from Barnes I'm yet to be convinced and do we really need him. Right Midfield and Right Back are the priorities.

January 03, 2008

mr.anonymouse said:

nah, Hutton has said that he doesn't to go to Spurs on the bbc Scottish radio station...anyway he's got a reputation for being a thug. Don't knock Arnaud before you see him play...as if he's a regular at PSG already at 20yrs...and Storey-Moore or someone else thinks he's worth a punt, might as well go for it...anyway, Salifou has been playing pretty well for the reserves, and i wouldn't be surprised to see him on Saturday.

January 03, 2008

Luke said:

Salifou's been getting up to speed - remember he only played for a Swiss 2nd division club. Hopefully he'll be playing in the African Cup od Nations and he can get proper match 'practice' in for us.

January 03, 2008 | url

Luke said:

That Arnauld lad is only 20 - he could be a great prospect. But it would mean the end for someone like Moore. What's happened to the young Welsh striker who went on loan to Wrexham last season?

January 03, 2008 | url

sam_villa1 said:

salifou cant play in the african cup of nations cuz togo didnt qualify ! hope laursen dont go but i dont think he will the fans love him to much. i also hope harewood doesnt go i just wish he would play better.

January 03, 2008

Chappelli said:

If MoN let Laursen go to Spurs i'd never forgive him. Especially if we got that useless Tainio in exchange. Also a heads up for Luke that Togo didn't qualify for the African cup of nations so Salifou won't be going. Lucky for Arsenal because it means Adebayor isn't going either.

January 03, 2008

on the pee my lord, on the pee said:

Hutton rejects spurs .... wuhoooo!!

January 03, 2008

Villa_Rules said:

We might aswell let harewood go as we dont use him and while we could still get a million or 2 for him we might aswell take it Really hope laursen stays it would be silly to let him go now we have got him fit and he is playing well Giles barnes would be a good signing and also that would be keepin it english surely tho we have got to dip into the european players to if we are guna get to where want to be We should also try a cheeky bid for David bentley 10million might get blackburn thinking

January 03, 2008

lurman said:

i know its no reason to wanna see laursen go (and i dont wanna see him go by the way) but his goal celebrations are TERRIBLE. remind me of pleat galloping over the pitch.

January 03, 2008

lurman said:

oh and as for barnes, might be a decent player but i dont think hes gonna be great, and i think we need someone whos already the finished article anyway. 24/25 yr old. quaresma (i wish), van der vaart (i wish again) and a decent right back (dunno who tho, we aint gonna get bosingwa, and if hutton turned down spurs cant see him comin villa either - so its that sevilla kid then i guess)

January 03, 2008

ajvilla29 said:

I really want MON to give salifou a go!!! even for 20 mins or so at the end of a game we are dominating, would be good to just have a look at a player we loaned 4 months a go. seen a few glimpses in the reserves highlights but don't really get a feel 4 his game

January 03, 2008

Villian 79 said:

I would like to say that Laursen CANNOT be let leave .Best defender we have, and for me been the best defender in the premier league this season. As for where I thing we need strengthening, RB, Melberg has done brilliantly but is not an attacking option , So a bid for Hoyte(3m) or Crespo(5m), but just read that he signed an extension till 2011 at seville. Hutton (?m) is another good option .WG We need a new winger like Wright-Philips(10m) or Bently(10m)or Milner (8m) FWD. A 15-20 goal man badly needed We create a lot of chances , but Miss alot Crouch (9m) Bent (12m) . Now I know I haven't elaborated on everything but if you agree or disagree with anything make a comment an i will elaborate more

January 03, 2008

Zidave said:

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like Crespo is already out of question... "Sevilla have agreed a new contract with highly-rated star Jose Angel Crespo, quashing rumours linking the player with The Premier League and Ligue 1." click here for link

January 03, 2008

McVillian said:

People are correct, we have to do all in our powers to keep Laursen. He has been M.O.T.M nearly every game or close to it anyway. As for a right back- it's something we have been after for a while. Australia played Thailand 6 months ago and the Thai RB was by far the best player on the pitch in the first half( game included Kewell, Viduka, Emerton) think he's getting on a bit, but we could have him as cover until we get the real deal. Long shot but he was outstanding

January 04, 2008

Leroy said:

I think all we can expect is the 'cheaper' english options this transfer window.Barnes would be a good signing, as would Hoyte. The only way we can let Laursen go to Spurs is a swap deal for Bent (far better than Defoe). We are not even in a position to this so just resign him! I wish Fred was a serious option, hes real quality and not as expensive as other strikers out there. Its funny at the start of the year every man and his dog was on here saying things like "how could MON let us start the season with out a right back", "middle of the table at best AGAIN this year". Now we are on the cusp of the top 6 and we just need to strengthen our squad a little for the run home, what a great season so far

January 04, 2008

Villa_Rules said:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/spo...-19974848/ ^^^ This a good read Randy lerner......

January 04, 2008

Darragh said:

I sincerely hope MON knows what he's at with regards Laursen. If he goes a LOT of villa fans will be p**sED. He's one of the shining stars in this season so far. Cannot Happen!!!!!!!!

January 04, 2008

villain said:

We'll find a decent right back for around 6m no problems. Hutton signed a new contract for rangers at the start of the 2007 season, so Rangers would want a lot for him. To be honest I'd like to see us take a gamble on Hoyte: he has pace to burn and few prospects of making the Arsenal team with Sagna and Eboue both specialists in his position. Perhaps a loan to signing bid would persuade wenger?? Laursens going nowhere and only an absolute retard of manager would want to take Harewood on loan. Perhaps potatoe head up at Wigan will be desperate enough to take him off our hands. We should throw a load of money at the right wing problem, i'd like to see us invest at least 15m in that position (unless Barnes is as good as people are saying).

January 04, 2008

stevievillaa said:

laursen cant go,end of story.he is our best defender by miles as i stil aint convinced wit knight nd davies.giv him 3 yr deal it looks lik his injury problems r behind him.. we should also buy bosingwa evn if it costs 15m..y not splash out on bently and defoe also,it'll only help our case 4 europe.sell harewood moore and sorenson 2 make some couple of pound anyway..

January 04, 2008

Dizzy Mugs said:

Barnes, no way. Arnaud looks a good prospect, probably a replacement for Luke Moore. Would prefer Karim Benzema at Lyon, but he's of a higher class than us, until we get regular Champo League, we don't have much chance signing him. As a right-winger, i'd like that Australian bloke, Mark Bresciano. Can also play left-wing, centre-mid, striker, everywhere in midfield positions basically. I can't remember where he plays, unfortunately. Somewhere in Italy i think.

January 04, 2008 | url

Chrisodon said:

Palermo bresciano plays for.

January 04, 2008

AndyHC said:

Really cant see Laursen leaving now! Especially not to Tottenham. If he were to leave it'll probably be abroad.

January 04, 2008

McGrathforPM said:

MON’s January Task List: 1. Sign Carson up on a permanent deal 2. Buy a Right Back, 1st choice: Bosingwa, 2nd choice: Hutton 3. Buy a left Back, 1st choice: Riise, 2nd choice: Matt Taylor 4. Buy a right winger, 1st choice: Milner, 2nd choice: Giles Barnes 5. Buy a striker, 1st choice: Crouch, 2nd choice: Jan Koller 6. Assuming Sorensen leaves in Jan, bring in a replacement, why not Boaz Myhill 7. Convince Mellberg and Laursen to sign new deals Get all of that done and we’re looking good for the rest of the season, qualify for Europe and then look to go one step further in the summer.

January 04, 2008

on the pee my lord, on the pee said:

I totally agree with most of what McgrathforPM says ... apart from getting a new keeper in to replace sorensen .. i think carson and stuart taylor would be fine. Also Jan Koller ... that is also a bit dodgy!!!!

January 04, 2008

Pongo1981 said:

no need to waste time and money on a left back, Bouma has been brilliant, then there's Barry and O'Halloran if we need cover, MON should focus all his time on on signing Carson and getting a rb and rw, these's 3 things are a must, we have no natural width down the right side, if we did, we'd stop looking at Ash to produce wonder after wonder, in some games like spuds 1st half they brought Lennon back and he had no space to influence the game, if we have the same on the right at least we can switch play. for me Milner doesn't supply a good enough ball whereas Bentley has a fantastic cross.

January 04, 2008

McGrathforPM said:

OK, when I said that I hadn't realise Koller was as old as he is but he's a big guy and a proven goal scorer (50 goals in 80 internationals for the Czechs) and would be good short term cover for Carew if he's going to keep picking up these injueries. Then once we've made it into Europe we can just go and sign Berbatov or Drogba instead! As for the keepers, eventually we're going to have to bring in another one. Tommy is obviously off and personally I can't believe Taylor is still a Villa player. Here's a keeper who has never been first choice and has spent virtually his entire career on the bench. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a class keeper but with Carson coming in, surely he can see he is never going to be first choice at Villa either.

January 04, 2008

on the pee my lord, on the pee said:

every club in the whole world has to have a back up keeper who hardly plays ... its the same anywhere and everywhere. Cheap wages, can do a job when he comes in. Happy to be a number 2 ... definately keep stuart taylor where he is

January 04, 2008

Top_6_Villa said:

damo, forgive me if im wrong but i got the sense during reading ur piece, that..... Your p**sed!

January 04, 2008

startrekhammer said:

Marlon harwwod always had no talent.even at west ham.rio coaker is only at villa for the pay packet or until something better comes along..same as defoe,carrick.lampard,cole..all wanted bigger and better things.they might have got there wish. BUT TO TRY TO GET THIS AT VILLA..YOU MUST BE HAVING A LAUGH..JIM DAVIDSON COULD,NT WRITE A BETTER JOKE THAN THAT..villa are and will always be a mid table team full of hanger on,s or chancers

January 04, 2008

Chrisodon said:

Least we've never been relegated from the premiership and sign old players for the pay packet like half your squad. Oh and we're are the two teams sitting position wise ? I Don't know why you stupid hammers fans come out with all this s**te it just makes you's look like bigger idiots than you's already are.

January 04, 2008

Betting Villain said:

I agree I think Harewood has looked alright when he's come on as a sub. A couple of moments of brilliance and a few horrific moments, but that's what I expected after hearing about him from West Ham fans. Still though, i don't think he is good enough for our squad and I can't see us making up the money we payed for him in the summer. As for Giles Barnes, I'm unsure about him. He looks alright but never really stands out as a good player. There have been a load of clubs interested in him but all have declined to make offers yet.. maybe it's a case of one team makes an offer and then it becomes a bidding war. Still agree that we need a right back and hope Boswinga will be snapped up soon. If that happens, and we can keep Laursen, we have a pretty solid defence.

January 04, 2008 | url

Chrisodon said:

What exactly was you point in doing that anyway ?

January 04, 2008

Hammersares**te said:

Funny how players suddenly become crap when they leave West Ham isn't it.....or fat, or moneygrabbers.....hmmm ? More likely is the fact that they cannot get away quick enough from the 'jovial cawkney' wit that has given us such classics as calling Glenn Roeder 'tumour boy'. Anyway, enough of the claret-and-blue wannabe's and here's to the claret-and-blue team of the next decade....including Reo-Coker who will surely be captain before long.

January 04, 2008

pazzler said:

the whole world knows who the real claret n blue are.

January 04, 2008

tinker said:

Marlon harwwod always had no talent.even at west ham.rio coaker is only at villa for the pay packet or until something better comes along..same as defoe,carrick.lampard,cole..all wanted bigger and better things.they might have got there wish. BUT TO TRY TO GET THIS AT VILLA..YOU MUST BE HAVING A LAUGH..JIM DAVIDSON COULD,NT WRITE A BETTER JOKE THAN THAT..villa are and will always be a mid table team full of hanger on,s or chancers Surely a Chelsea/Spurs fan trying to make Wham fans look like idiots?

January 04, 2008

andy5759 said:

Chrisodon, I think Damian has nodded off, so you're probably right. The link to RL's comments last year should remind us all that whatever our expectations, the management etc are in this for the long haul. You know, like "Softly, softly catchee monkey". Tomorrow we catch some northern monkeys.

January 04, 2008

Damian said:

sorry lads, that might have been a beer too many at dinner. fell asleep in front of the tv watching west ham ..

January 04, 2008 | url

Mike said:

People are wrong to say we need a right mid player...we need a left winger. ash young would be better off playing down the right so he can cross the ball with his right fott straight away rather than having to turn back on the inside like he has to on the left. Here i'd like us to go after downing...a good english player who is playing in a weak team and could find his form again playing for us. dunno what other left wingers we could go after, riise can play wide left but a better attacking full back than midfield player and barry could do a job there but our counter attacking style means we should try to get someone with more pace. any ideas?

January 08, 2008

Mike said:

Just thought maybe Damien Duff or N Zogbia could fit the bill?

January 08, 2008

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