ASTON VILLA ARE ready to play hardball in a bid to hold on to striker Christian Benteke.
Villa confirmed last night that the Belgian international has handed in a transfer request with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea leading the chase for his signature.
Benteke, 22, did not travel to Germany for the squad’s pre-season camp but Villa said that he had already been granted extra time off until 18 July.
The striker scored 23 goals in his first Premier League season after moving to the Midlands from Belgian club Genk on a four-year contract.
“[Christian] was reminded that there are three years remaining on his contract, we consider him to be a Villa player and expect that he will be with us for the 2013-14 season”, a statement issued by Villa last night read.
Having received his transfer request, we have also informed him that should we receive an offer within an appropriate timeframe during pre-season which meets our valuation we would act upon it. But he will remain a Villa player should this not happen.
Manager Paul Lambert said: “While we’re hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it’s important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that.”
Be surprised if the line up like that. More likely cooper in full back line, O’Sullivan at half back line. Also be surprised if mccaffrey is not in half back line.
@Augustus hoop:
As usual,the “real” team will not line out as selected.I dont know why Jim Gavin does thos all the time.Are we getting any advantage by naming these dummy teams?Obviously Jim thinks we are.Doubt McCaffrey is playing up front and if he starts it will be in the backs with one of the selected back six dropping to the bench.Suppose it’s a bit of a talking point for us fans but we’ll have to wait until just before throw-in to find out.
@mark kenny: true cant see the value in this dummy team … can see mick fitz drop out lowndes cooper go to full back line and small mccaffery and cian o sullivan in h/ back line a half forward come in for fitz could be flynn/or kev mac
@Liam Murphy:
Yea it’s hard to second guess Jim but i’ll have a guess at the back seven
1 Cluxton
2 McMahon
3 Fitzimmons
4 Lowndes
5 McCaffrey
6 O Sullivan
7 Small
@mark kenny: no cooper so who plays in the forward line when jack mac comes back
@Liam Murphy:
Maybe Scully.It’s only a guess,though.Who knows what Jim will do?Bernard probably did enough the last day to start but maybe he’s better coming off the bench.
What a joke
Dublin could play their U21 squad up until at least the semifinals giving the poor standard of this competition.these backdoor mickey Mouse games with teams that have no hope of making it to the final
@Jamie: their u21s would not win today’s game. Would their u21s beat Kildare?
@Patrick O’Sullivan: yes they would on both questions
@Jamie: Yea why don’t they just put Dublin straight into the final every year
@Jamie: i think you are wrong lad. There 21s would definitely not beat monaghan.
McCafferry will go back and mark O’Sullivan man and he will be sweeper then