Villastine

Given the height it could be Fellaini

No it isn't f***** easy. In fact loaning players is usually the best way to get quality players in. Internationals not getting game time before the Euros will be pushing for a loan where game time looks limited. That's why wasting our 2 loans is outrageously stupid

I've backed DS all the way but today is all on him. Even if he is not in charge of transfers starting Drinkwater today is unforgivable. What did he expect? We have wasted our loans on 2 has beens. We needed to replace McGinn and Heaton ffs! Whoever is responsible for bringing in Reina and Drinkwater should be sacked. Back to DS, tactically we were pitiful. Nyland : thankless task today. I will have to re-watch on TV to be sure if he was as bad as he looked. The 3 clowns at the back trying to play like Beckenbauer. Absolute joke. Against Man City. They haven't earned the right. Mings deservedly loss his England spot today. Jokers. DS should have changed it immediately Our 2 wing backs were awful but not shocking. They have no pace. DS is deluded playing them in this formation against City. 3 in midfield - non events, didn't lay a glove on City. Played in a flat 3. Too close to each other, awful decision tactically. Drinkwater as expected was terrible but Hourihane fought hard for worst player on the pitch award. Who says they're not competitive!! Grealish - I'd imagine he's considering his options. I hope he hasn't lost faith in DS but must be getting close. He needs pace and skill around him. There is neither El Ghazi - frustrating as usual but had a thankless task today Subs: Trezeguet done himself proud today. Honest effort. Fair play to him. Others : meh In short, unless DS is trying a Southampton "rock bottom" rehab style rebirth, today was a managerial disaster. I really want DS to be a success here but today really makes me me doubt if that's possible. Not solely down to tactics or the loss. We'll get over a hammering from City. But it's down to Drinkwater and Reina. We needed to replace 3 of our best players. The spine of our team and we've brought in 2 lads no where near match fitness. Basically 2 retired footballers. The board have let us and DS down. If we don't get decent replacements in we're down I'm afraid.

5-0 down at home. No changes yet!!!!!!

Not in the slightest bit surprised by any of this. Loaning Drinkwater was bad enough but starting him is unforgivable. Pathetic

Unless the changes are due to fitness issues I don't see the logic in changing a team that a very respectable result against the team in 2nd.

Murray came on and looked dangerous (despite missing two chances).... Brighton won't be letting him join us

We do, what we don't need is a guy who used to play football a few years ago!!!!

Has played as much football as Drinkwater in last 2 years. He is basically semi retired as Milan No. 2. Obviously Dean doesn't trust any of our keepers fully but there is no evidence available to support the idea that Reina is anywhere near the level required.

He's still highly rated by Martinez. The fact he's getting game time and scoring for Belgium speaks volumes. If we get him in on loan it's a better gamble than Drinkwater or Reina who haven't played football in years

What if the question is who is an upgrade on Kodjia?? The list would be very long and in my opinion wound still (even on current form) include Benteke

Based on what?? He's played about as much football as Drinkwater in the last 2 years.

Come on lads... What's the score

It's always seemed too good to be true. Milan are a basket case so it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility that they might sell or loan him. But if they do, there will be a very long queue for his services. Anyway he's no Assombalonga

That's is some turn around. He was phenomenal when he joined them.

No, he assessed him, told him he wouldn't get any game time as he was way down the list of options. Basically not in his plans so go out on loan. Awhhh damn, looks like we have actually signed him. I really hope Smith and Terry have done a background check here. If he's fit and has a point to prove great. If not he'll provide a boost to the local pub trade

Or Jermain Jenas

Lampard shipped him out on loan the minute he got the job despite Chelsea being under a transfer embargo. High praise indeed

Ffs he has played 58mins of Premier League football since the start of last season. In that time he ploughed his range rover through a wall while pissed, got injured after a fight outside a nightclub, while pissed! He pretty much retired when he moved to Chelsea for £35million. I suppose he can fill the Ross McCormack role! Of course he may well have mended his ways, be raring to go and be fit. However if that was the case would Burnley be sending him back?

If the last window was anything to go by we won't hear any accurate rumours until deals are pretty much done. Looking forward to a series of announcements next week! It's vital that DS is happy with his options for keeper, striker and additional midfielder before we face Brighton.

I know folks on here hate loan but I wouldn't mind trying to James Justin from Leicester. Getting no game time with them and would really boost our squad.

No club can plan for the body blow we were served by injuries to McGinn, Heaton and Wesley. The club have been forced into emergency planning so I wouldn't be surprised with the likes of Murray or Benteke on loan. We will need to take some gambles while also trying to land some of our top targets if possible in this window. Obviously Benhrama remains on Smiths radar

I think we'll line up that way against Leicester. Don't really think DS has a choice with our striker options.

Come on, you know well most Villa fans harbor the same hope.

Ehh it's lifted mate