It doesn't need me fanning the fires of speculation but at the same time we don't need Martin Laursen talking to the local press about potential other interest from other clubs.

"I don't know if they have spoken to Aston Villa, I haven't heard anything, but it's two big clubs and it's certainly something that would interest me." Laursen told the Birmingham City Mail.

The two clubs he is referring to are Newcastle and Spurs. Both are 'apparently' interested in the defender. I for one, hadn't heard of this little rumour before the Birmingham City Mail reported it, but there is every chance I missed it.

How true this is, and I suspect it isn't true, is irrelevant, because there is going to be a debate on Laursen. Mostly because Aston Villa could have released him some time ago, didn't and stuck by him.

Some would say he should sign an extension because of the loyalty the club have shown him but at the same time we don't actually know if the club have offered him anything. All we've heard is that the club are listening.

Martin O'Neill has told Bill Howell of the Birmingham City Mail "We're listening and we're talking now. We desperately and definitely want to keep him."

We were told a year ago that the club wanted to sign Olof Mellberg to a new contract and nothing has happened and it was at the exact same time we were told contract talks were planned for Thomas Sorensen and Gavin 'Smiler' McCann.

We all know what happened to those other two players.

I know I'm going to come across as fairly cynical now but it's about the money and Laursen, along with Mellberg know, that they're on a free and they'll get quite a bit more if they leave on a free.

All the club have to do is up the weekly salary - it's all about the money these days, if they really want the player to stay, that is.

Comments (16)

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JonnyW said:

Laursen is easily one of our best players and whatever we have to pay, as long as it is not extortionate, we should pay. Laursen would argue that the money we save not buying another defender could pay his wages, and besides, where can you get another Martin Laursen?

January 09, 2008

Milk said:

Personally i think Laursen is going. If the club wanted to sign him then they'd of done it by now. It will be one hell of a mistake if he does go, first of all he is our most consistant player and secondly our players for the future like Curtis Davies will become better players just by playing with him. Oh well, fingers crossed

January 09, 2008

Leroy said:

Id actually like to know what Laursen is valuated at by us or anybody else for that. I doubt we could replace him for less than 8mil these days. If you bump his weekly earnings up a bit you would still 'save' money over a three year contract probably. It doesnt make any sense to let him go, financially or other....

January 09, 2008

Damian said:

Leroy - I think we'll probably find that Davies and Knight were the replacements - O'Neill didn't factor in for Laursen to be playing, because he couldn't so Davies was purchased - so your valuation is about right.

January 09, 2008 | url

kohoutek said:

We'll have no choice but to trust MON on this one, but I, for one, would be gutted if Villa let Laursen go. Perhaps MON has faith in Davies and Knight filling the void, but I'd really prefer to see Laursen playing since he's offered such quality week in and week out.

January 09, 2008

gazza said:

Give him a contract and give him the captains armband, I couldn't think of anyone else who plays with his ammount of commitment. We must keep him.

January 09, 2008

PaulE said:

He's essential. He's world class. Pay him whatever he wants.

January 09, 2008

the_flabster said:

I dont understand this, We kept him whilst he was injured because he the potential to be world class, now when he is playing and showing that he is world class we dont sign him up. Laursen has always said that Villa would have first choice to sign him up but if we dont then i cant blame him for trying to get a transfer to another club. I just hope MON doesnt let him go because our defence without Laursen looks pretty weak. Consider this, Laursen & Mellberg leave look at what our back line would look like: Bouma Knight Davis Gardner(or other RB replacement) It doesnt look very good at all to me.

January 09, 2008

andy5759 said:

Until he leaves I will not believe he's going. Either his answer to a question has been taken out of context, or he's just attempting to "up the anté". BUT, if he leaves, I will have to assume that MON hasn't got him in his plans. Trust MON as Kohoutek says.

January 09, 2008

Kieran McGrath said:

sign him up on a 3 year deal and then give him a coaching role after

January 09, 2008

ruddy said:

he is simply world class and irreplaceable sign him up and fast cause without him we wouldn't have won most games this season

January 09, 2008

pazzler said:

no way, he will not leave. spurs n newcastle - F**k off

January 09, 2008

Dizzy Mugs said:

In my opinion, he owes us 3 more seasons before he's going anywhere! Here's 50p Martin, put it towards your contract signing-on fee!!

January 09, 2008 | url

Az_ said:

If MON doesn't give Laursen a new deal, I'll loose faith. Unless of course he signs another top class defender.

January 09, 2008

Villa_Rules said:

I cant see us loseing laursen considering we have only just got him fit and is in good form should we let him go it will be the silly and daft

January 09, 2008

ozavfc21 said:

i don't think laursen will go. davies is going to be quality but not very sure knight is a good replacement for melberg who unless we get europe can't see him staying. apparently chimbonda wants to come and see's us as a big club with good ambition.

January 10, 2008

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