05 Jul 2013 23:17:17
Word out of London, yes I know, London, is that Villa boss Paul Lambert, has short listed several players as a rear guard action should Benteke force through a move to one of a number of clubs being linked with the Belgian star.
Funny thing is, that one of the players on that list is apparently Demba Ba of Chelsea. It is said that Lambert would look to Ba as a loan option should Benteke take off.
This may indeed indicate that Chelsea may make a bid and part of that deal may be sending Ba on loan to Villa.
Again, I repeat, this was from a London ( Chelsea ) publication and we know what to expect from the tabloids. just thought I'd add it here to generate conversation from the masses.
Leroy
If Chelsea were serious about Benteke he would be there by now, what Roman wants, Roman gets.
Now that's an interesting heavyweight battle, Villa's Rich Uncle Randy V Chelsea's Mafia Man Roman, this battle won't be about money, It will be about ego, great fight ahead. The undercard will be just as interesting, The lovable Paul V Hard to Fathom Jose, let the battle's commence.
This is true to a certain extent, but what about Cavani or Rooney? Why are there ever any transfer rumors that link Chelsea if Roman just buys players at the snap of a finger like you suggest?
There have been many reports tha Chelsea have "stepped up" their efforts to sign Benteke. Where there's smoke.
I don't think it's as easy as what you have said, even with Abramavich and his money
If Chelsea want Benteke then we can expect some ridiculous offer that cannot be ignored. Lambert & Lerner should be looking for another player or two plus whatever the offer. However I want to believe that he will stay at VP to repay the faith all of us have in him.
Look let's be honest, Benteke is an exceptional player, of course we all want him to stay but the likelihood is he will not be a VP for the full period of his contract. He is obviously a very ambitious individual & if these media reports are correct he want's to play for a top 4 team. 30+ years ago Andy Gray did the same as did Alan Mc Inally. Hopefully he will stay for at least 1 more season just so we can all see what sort of team PL has assembled, if he goes anywhere in the EPL, I hope it's Chelski only for the reason they will pay the most, he will then realise how supportive the Manager, club & supporters at Villa have been, because it will be different at Chelsea, where the Manager is inconsistent and the owner is never happy with his lot, it might even suit Benteke but I doubt it, as stated many times, no player is bigger than the club, buy here's hoping!
"If Chelsea want Benteke" response: I thought that. We already missed out on Cornelius, Altidore about to sign for Sunderland, but then someone posted that we already had Benteke's replacement (if one's to be required) in Helenius, the guy said he had seen Helenius play many times and that he thought he was that good, I didn't ask the poster's name but I hope it wasn't Helenius.
Hi all.
Yes that guy was me, and you are correct.
I have seen a lot of Helenius, I have seen him probably a dozen times or more and he is very mobile guy for his height, the lad has got it all, and I really believe after a period of him coming to terms with the prem he will be better than Cornelius.
He is not reliant on guys around him he can create his own goals and finishes very well
Dave
Hi All,
Some good points made here. I don't honestly believe that Benteke will leave this summer. I truly believe it. Maybe its slightly naive, but I think Benteke is (still) humble enough to understand the faith that Lambert has put in him.
With the world cup coming up, he just needs to have another season like last and he will be THE hottest commodity perhaps in world football.
If and or when the time comes that he will move on, I think we should only be selling to the Man Cities of the world.
I honestly believe we should be aiming to challenge Spurs and Arsenal, so we should not be allowing them to get ahold of our best players.
Leroy
Well said Leroy.
You are not naïve at all.
You have thought about it and see it as YOU see it, I agree and also think he will stay,!!
Your other points are also well made.
Dave
Maybe we should benteke, with a proviso that we get him straight back on a season long loan. best of both, any1 agree
Benteke will be at Villa Park this coming season - I strongly believe that. Villa do not plan to sell him nor do they want to. Up the villa lads!
I don't think Benteke would do as well at any other club and would more than likely flop especially if he goes to a club made up of stand out players.
Thanks VillaDave and others.
Whilst I firmly believe that Benteke will stay, I am slightly alarmed (yet again) with the lack of communication from AVFC in this regard.
It has been a flaw in past seasons, the lack of connection with the fans that is. I think most of us could accept just about any decision made by the club, if they acted confidently and swiftly, but made sure us fans were kept abreast of matters.
This has been an issue since Randy has come in I must say.
Regardless, I feel pretty confident that we will be a fun team to watch this year and that's even without this potential attacking player that we seem to be trying to add.
I think that we may look further into Chadli and that would be just fine with me as I rate him highly.
Leroy
I agree to a point Leroy, I think the only problem with keeping fans in the know about potential targets is that it would alert others (teams that is) of our intentions therefore inflating the price.
I think it would be great however if AVFC would post on their website what positions they intend to strengthen ie RSM or LB etc, and also at what stage negotiations are with current playing staff (Benteke) I think we would all like to know that one.
I also think we will have a good season top 10, and maybe GOAL OF THE SEASON. we now have potential to score from anywhere on the park
Lets hear your thoughts
Dave
Ninth to thirteenth is my bet. Maybe a cup run but much easier for us than last season. If we play like we did from March onwards we should look a good team.
I think you may have misunderstood what I was trying to say VillaDave.
I was referring to Benteke and this ongoing situation. Would be great to hear something about whether he is staying or not.
There was also the situation with Bent just being left off the team without word or reason. The whole MON situation was kept a secret also.
I have liked the overall manner in which we have operated this transfer window. I mean, getting in early and signing some exciting young talent of whom seem highly motivated to play for the badge.
Leroy
My money will be on a RVP goal of the season as always!
Top 10 finish easily as Benteke will be playing at Villa Park next season - no debate on that one!