Add Gary Cahill to the list of players leaving and for all the talk of Martin O'Neill as an excellent man manager someone will soon start to question why so many people want off.

It won't be me, I'm just saying someone will. Anyway, reports in Italy today are suggesting that Mellberg is about to sign a pre-contract deal to join the Italian giants in July and we've now got confirmation that Luke Moore also wants out.

Mellberg has done enough at right back for me this season for him to be our right back next season. Sure, we could get better but if we had a proper right winger or midfielder in front of him I think he would have played better and impressed more than he already has.

Seeing Mellberg leave isn't going to be nice but I can understand him leaving for Juventus and Juventus have clearly seen something with him at right back so it's a good move for the player. As long as we finally get ourselves a recognised right back it should be good for Villa too.

The Luke Moore to Glasgow story was no secret - but again we're getting confirmation from somewhere other than the official site. Martin O'Neill has said “Luke has asked to leave, but I’m in no rush to be letting people go until we get replacements in,”

“Rangers haven’t come in for Luke in terms of a bid, but Walter Smith asked me about him and that’s as far as it’s gone."

Luke hasn't looked hungry enough this season and despite me thinking he has bags of talent he clearly doesn't want to do it at Villa - I suspect another case of the agent pulling the strings or the player getting too big for his boots.

Comments (41)

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PC said:

ok we get it, the club website is c**p but we don't need to be told about it in every post.

January 22, 2008

Damian said:

at PC you're not told about it in every post. only when it is relevent

January 22, 2008 | url

richie p said:

i dont blame mellberg for leavin he has been with villa for many years and at his age the chance to play regular champions league football might be to good to refuse, he will be missed though he is a solid player, im sure MON will find a replacement and a recognised right back. as for moore id say let him go, he has loads of potential but he has missed some sitters for villa this season and he just doesnt look hungry enough

January 22, 2008

PaulE said:

It goes to show that MON only gives out information when he's asked for it. Other journalists are clearly asking for, and getting that information, but the journalists on our official site aren't bothering to ask.

January 22, 2008

pongogidman said:

I don't think any Villa fan will begrudge Mellberg signing his last big deal with Juve. He's put in good service for us over the years and I for one will be wishing him all the best. As for Moore - MON has given him plenty of chances this season but the kid looks lethergic and clearly wants to be elsewhere, so let him go. Same with Cahill - if players aren't willing to bide their time and fight for their place then let them move on. Shame that the Defoe deal looks dead and buried but I've no doubts that Magic Mart has got replacements lined up.

January 22, 2008

smylhr said:

i love olly mellberg but for him its a new option something different, and although we will miss him he has been one of the greatest villa players in the last ten years so credit to him. as for moore he can bugger off, lack of effort and poor goal scoring record been at the club to long and needs new challenge buti will miss him!!

January 22, 2008

K4 AVFC said:

First of all ... Mellberg has not been good enough at right back, i dont blame him for that at all though !!! He clearly isnt a right back, it sticks out like a sore thumb that he is a centre back playing right back. His crossing and distribution lets him down alot and often gives the ball away, again not his fault, because he is not a full back! Second ... Luke Moore, see ya! MON get Kevin Doyle in to replace him and its happy days ... his attitude compared to Harewood speaks volumes and Moore is the local lad!!! Lacks passion and fight when not in the team and never takes his chance when in the team. Time for him to go ..... Up The Villa!

January 22, 2008

Azz said:

Aston Villa are launching a £5 million bid for River Plate's Colombian striker Radamel 'Falcao' Garcia Zarate. Ole says River expect the offer to arrive as early as today for the 21 year-old, who would qualify for a UK work permit as he's a regular with the Colombia national team. New River coach Diego Simeone is reluctant to part with his star youngster, but Villa's cash offer will prove difficult for the Argentine club to resist. Not from the most reliable of sources, I agree, but we know the club from Juan Pablo so who know? Surely £5 mil isn't too bad for the next Angel, is it?

January 22, 2008

Kieran McGrath said:

to be honest i think its a bad move for mellberg but i understand why he is doing it, i cant see him playing football week in and week out at juventus, but maybe he knows that and just wants to spend his last few years making money in a hotter country and for a bigger team. then onto luke moore to me he has never shown to be a hard worker, i always get the impression that he wants to do the least work but get the most applause, and i know some people will disagree with me but its just the way i see it, he has never really stood out when looking at the team sheet i would have always played juan pablo angel before him. so i say let luke moore go and buy a decent striker like defoe or crouch and play gabby down the right wing then all we need is a right back

January 22, 2008

Arrlui said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...re=related

January 22, 2008

villa 82 said:

Watched that vid of Falcao looks like the type of player we need.

January 22, 2008

anotherjames said:

Heres the link from Olé (which, by the way, is one of the most prominent sports papers in South America so although I dont know how reliable, is pretty important): http://www.ole.clarin.com/nota...90720.html Falco Garcia is a quality player and Im surprised that it would only be for £5m (quoted as US$10m), although that could be because River Plate only own half of him, in the same way as Tevez/Mascherano. A big problem is getting him is that he only has 4 caps for Colombia, and no EU passport. An appeal would probably bring him in though as he is definitely one of the best players currently outside Europe, and has been linked repeatedly with big European sides. I could see him linking up behind Carew brilliantly, giving us a bit of flair and creativity, something that we have lacked for years in the middle of the park. Provided he settles and is willing to work, Falcao could be an excellent signing... and better than Zaraté at the blues!

January 22, 2008

The Mighty Steve said:

There's too much talk of players leaving and not enough of players coming in. I don't think we can stop Melberg and Moore never looks top class but we really don't want to make our squad any smaller soon we'll have trouble finding anyone to sit on the subs bench.

January 22, 2008 | url

Gav said:

It's a shame - Luke hasn't been the same since his shoulder surgery, he can't seem to run at all and it looks very uncomfortable for him. Could have been great.

January 22, 2008

Woodinho said:

Losing all senses... need transfers... cannot function... need roumers... please help me... it's slowly getting dark... players urgently needed... In all seriousness now - when is the actual deadline???? It can't be far away now???

January 22, 2008

villa 82 said:

The deadline is in 9 days.MON will think about transfers on about the 8th day.

January 22, 2008

villafandan said:

i think it's speaks volumes about ollie that the majority of fans will be sad to see him leave, but understand his decision. good luck to the bearded wonder. as far as luke moore goes, well it seems pretty clear that the 1 year option was taken up on him to give him a resale value. that's fine by me, lets get some of the money we paid for his surgery and some wages back and bring in someone who wants to do the job. i don't care if he starts sticking them in somewhere else, it's like we're playing with 10 men when he plays for us.

January 22, 2008

Woodinho said:

JUST THOUGHT I'D RAISE THE PROFILE OF THIS A BIT AS ITS FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Aston Villa's heritage when authentic pieces of memorabilia go under the online hammer. Villa's former signage, including impressive letters and crests, are going up for auction tomorrow afternoon on eBay for a 10 day period. The bidding starts tomorrow at 12 noon and continues through to 12 noon on Saturday February 2. Highlights of the auction include two beautiful large 3D acrylic crests and a lovely set of chrome letters spelling out Aston Villa Football Club. All items would make perfect additions to a games room or sports club. There are 47 separate items going under the hammer and they all have no starting or reserve price. Items are collection from Villa Park, Birmingham ONLY. All proceeds go to Acorns Children's Hospital and the Villa Park William McGregor Statue Fund.

January 22, 2008

PC said:

Damian, OK slight exageration with every post but you get what I mean. RE moore, I say let him go his attitude stinks and we can buy better and produce better, moore has let himself down as a professional footballer and to think him and stefan were such bright prospects at one point.

January 22, 2008

shaaba said:

why didnt john arne riise play yday, is he on his way to villa, cus we dont need a left back, bouma is good

January 22, 2008

Kieran McGrath said:

i dont think Radamel Falcao Garcia looks that good, fair enough some of his goals were good but i dont think he could hack it in the premiership, he doesnt seem that fast and think he would be overpowered and knocked about. i hope we dont sign him but if we do i hope i am proven wrong

January 22, 2008

DSB1 said:

Let Moore leave, he has no commitment to the club, is lazy and believes himself to be far better than he actually is. Harewood showed last night that he might not be the most skillful player in the world but he put in loads of effort and thoroughly deserved his goal.I would rather have Harewood than Moore any day. I think that we will see at least three players arriving next week, theres no way MON would allow these players to leave if he did not have replacements lined up and knowing him they will be far better than the ones he's allowing to leave.

January 22, 2008

Jeremiah said:

I've watched Falcao play for River a few times. He's a good player. You never know how guys will turn out when they reach the Premiership, but the Argentinian league is a good one, so who knows. I think MON is getting rid of O'Leary players and bringing in MON players. That's what I think of the players asking to leave or being sold. Hopefully that is something that he's almost done with, though, and we can start actually building up a squad.

January 22, 2008

Kieran McGrath said:

i agree with jeremiah, MON seems to be getting rid of all david olearys men. hughes, McCann, davis, jp angel, baros, hendrie j lloyd samuel. all of these player were obviously willing to play week in and week out and not giving 2 fecks about the club or where it was going. now he is bringing in players that want to play and win things and most of all, win things at aston villa and under MON

January 22, 2008

Arrlui said:

I vote Falcao

January 22, 2008

stevievillaa said:

if cahill was that gud then he hav better teams than birmingham bolton sunderland and derby after him,id take the 4m 2b honest.not 2 worried wit mellberg leavin either cos if he really wanted 2 stay he would hav signed a deal by now so i think he no longer wants 2 play 4 villa...disappointed not to see at least 2 signings by now could hav sworn o neill said he had right back lined up at soon as window opened in january,lets b honest mellberg aint doin the business.he just boots the ball up da pitch and gets us nowhere, we need some1 2 run da flank and swing in crosses..moore aint good enuf either i think,he has had enuf changes 2 prove himself nd didnt do it..

January 22, 2008

AV33 said:

Howdooo..hope everyone is ok Just thought i'd add my two bob's worth to the comments. That Falcao geezer looks like the dogs don't he?! If it's £5m thats relatively cheap in today's market so let's have him in MON...to replace Luke Moore. Carew has the obvoius understudy in the new favourite, marvellous Marlon ! But if Luke leaves, he will need replacing and this Argie bloke looks a bit spesh. If Olly goes, i wish him all the best but i'd rather he stayed with us and realised the dream he's helped to create. But if security for his family and a cushy end to his career is the plan, fair play to him. I hope Villa give him a testamonial game against Juve as part of the deal. Although we were a bit stop/start against Scouse, i think it highlighted what is right and what is wrong with our squad. Gabby and Ash look knackered, maybe some real competition purchased in the next few days might first of all give them a rest and then make them play out of their skins to regain their places. I'm sure i read on these pages during the summer that the right back deal was done for January. Who is it and where is he ? Onto the John Arne Risse thing, i can see some mileage in this. He didn't play against us the other night and isn't injured. I rate him and if you think about the philosophy of two players per position, he'd fight it out with Bouma at LB and can also play left midfield with a wicked delivery and shot on him. Before i go, got to mention MON's pre-match talk with Setanta. He slipped up big time when asked about Scott Carson. MON said that Scott is not allowed to play for his "old" club. He then looked real embarrassed and said something like "i mean the club who we have loaned him from" with a wry smile. Scotty boy is ours baby...believe me !! All the best all and UP THE VILLA

January 22, 2008

Villa_Rules said:

The ones who want out are the ones not good enough to take villa forward Luke moore scores goals in freindlys never in the leauge Cahill we can get better players than him and we do allready have better players than him Sorensen again we can do better Have you heard any of the first team complain??Nope nor me

January 22, 2008

Villa_Rules said:

ahh there is one yes mellberg but he wants to leave because of playin in europe not because he thinks martin is a bad manager Transfer window causes trouble at villa lol they should ban it

January 22, 2008

Melbourne Villans said:

While the squad is small and we have been very fortunate with injuries, I think its time to lose the dead wood and bring in something that can add some value. Moore: 3.5 million - Heart not in it and based on recent performances can't hit a barn with a banjo. Has had some lovely chances but just can't do the business Cahill: 4 million - Likely lad who also has always come across as very determined and eager; but he dosn't want to be fourth choice at centre half, and fair enough too -> 7.5 million of 'free' money to invest in one player of talent, or ask Mr Lerner to throw a few extra pounds on top to pay over the odds to get a Crespo or someone similar here now It might seem hard to let some of the local product leave, but we did move Davis on and he's not exactly burning up the pitch @ Fulham, so if MON gives these the green light then I think he's thought long and hard about it. UTV

January 22, 2008

GonzoAvfc said:

a mate of mine has a friend who works in the athletics world as a sprinting coach. he tells me that he works with alot of premiership teams in training there players. he has told my friend as he knows he is a villa fan that he has been approached by the villa to work with us. he believes that we are trying to sign micheal owen from newcastle and for the rest of this season he will not have a first 11 place but will remain on the bench for the rest of the season and played if we need him to. the reason for this is so he can tone down the muscle he built up to overcome his injury so he can build his pace back up and return to his former glory and get into the startin 11 next season. now this is just a rumour i dont know the sprinting coach so it could be a lie but if this is true i think its a possibilty. owen doesnt like keegan because of previous england experiences and i have always had vision of owen in claret and blue.

January 23, 2008 | url

ste23 said:

owen coming would be nice,he would be one hell of an impact player coming off the bench when we are struggling for goals

January 23, 2008 | url

alexb said:

Apparanntly 2 other premiership clubs have enquired about marlon king from watford Whats the odds that we are one of them? Would be a typical MON signing a la Harewood, Knight, Salifou (i.e. out of the blue when things are quiet, underwhelming etc) I hope not I but wouldnt be suprised

January 23, 2008

Arrlui said:

Falcao all the way! AV33 and Melbourne have got it spot on. O'Neill is getting rid of the Dreary, no matter how much we love them. We need to press on, right? Melly, you are and always will be a legend. Thanks for a great 6/7 years and for the Freddies fight. Legend. Play us for Juve and we'll do 'em like they were a half team like Inter Right back and we're set.

January 23, 2008

mossiewalsh said:

alexb you could be right but i hope ur not

January 23, 2008

pazzler said:

think id better watch me a clip of this falcao player.

January 23, 2008

pazzler said:

ok impressive - how has the rumour come about for us to sign him? apart from the angel-river link?

January 23, 2008

huggie11 said:

With the news that Olof Mellberg is set to leave at the end of the season, i think it is only fitting that we show our thanks and respect by naming the home game against m,boro on the 8.3.08 olof mellberg day. So grow you beards for this game in respect to a true villa legend. Send this email or text this message to every villa fan you know.

January 23, 2008

Arrlui said:

The Falcao rumour came from 'OLE', a newspaper from South America. Let's get some wind behind this signing, he's gonna be the s**t.

January 23, 2008

parker said:

What is SOTC and UTV? Why is the club website so s**t? When are we going to sign someone?

January 24, 2008

brett said:

i think its best for everyone that moore goes, i as much as anyone wanted him to get a chance this year, but his hearts not in it anymore (anyone see his brother got released too)and rangers would be a great move i cant see us going for falcao, too much unlike MON, even though our position at the moment is perfect for the risk - we wouldnt depend on him to score and he'd have time to adjust

January 24, 2008

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