David-Copenhagen

AFAIK they all fall under the same umbrella, ie: payments to staff I don't think it matters whether it's basic, bonus or signing on fee, it's all counted the same Makes no sense if that is true. As long as there is an extension of the contract it is no different to buying a new player. In effect we are buying Benteke for 1-2 years more.

Stevo; please has it really? come on be fair how would you describe the last 3 games then? sorry i just don't follow. He scored a brace against Sunderland, put us ahead against the Albion and was instrumental in the cup game leading the line in Benteke's absence. Also thought he was good against QPR and unlucky to not have a goal to his name in the Spurs match. He has undoubtedly been more influential statistically than N'Zogbia, who has played well in my opinion but is lacking an end product still. This is spot on. Gabby must come instead of Zoggy. He is much more of a goal threat.

You would hope so

Wages is one thing. Sign on fees another. So basically we should pay Benteke 5 mill in sign on fee for an extra year or two. Thinking about how much money is given for placings in PL it is a good deal for us as well.

We should offer him at least 100k - we have to pay wages like that to the top players and in this case it isn't a gamble at all.

I agree huge difference. Just think that what is now asked of Benteke might also suit Bent better. Not saying that Bent could be anywhere near as good as Benteke.

Found it - http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/11/sherwood-hails-villa-win-tosses-a-little-shade-at-tottenhams-chairman-fantastic-result-for-me-and-aston-villa/

Think I heard that he was told to save his energy and stay high up the pitch

He looks a lot more likely to score a goal than zoggy does

When is he back?

We need to win all 3 games to keep momentum for the finale!

And isn't Tim asking Benteke to focus on scoring and nothing else? That is what Bent can do :-)

Has been fantastic for some time now. Really hope he can be convinced to sign with us.

Come on two more.......

Now f... Up their goal difference as well :-) hahahaha

Ha ha ha ha ha muhahahaha

Assist from agent Cahill :-)

Not so sure. If we keep Leicester under us it makes it easier for us to drag in Newcastle or keep Leicester under us. Watch agent Cahill score now......

Yes, but when they lose tonight that will change. It will kick them right back into misery.......... :-)

The Man City game left me proud but mindfull that we are still in a mess. I think the reason the defeat hurt so much is because I can't remember seeing us play this well. It is almost back to the Taylor mark I or days of big Ron. I think 1 or 3 points for us on Saturday will leave Newcastle in a mess I am not sure they will get out of. What worries my is that we are very close to not having our fate in our own hands. It is between Leicester, Hull, Sunderland, Newcastle and us for the last spot. And most of them have a game in hand and Newcastle has more points. It is only the fact that Leicester play Sunderland that still gives us a better placing since they can't both overtake us with a point. Last year I thought - make it and we will be so much better. This year I know we are going to be so much better and I credit that to Sherwood and Delph. The fact that Delph signed a new contract can not be underestimated.

Where on earth are we going to get that sort of cash? You have to be realistic that isnt going to happen We could easily offer him 150K a week and it would still make sense. The new TV money is coming in and there is 2-3 million extra, at least, per place in the PL. So his goals will be worth his salary anyway. + the profile he gives us will increase our overall value. He must not be sold. And if we have to pay 200K do it. The only way to make more money is to spend it.

With the new tv money and bent of the boocks we can afford to give him 150K a week for 3 extra years (making it 5 in all). And we should. That will send a strong signal that we are not a selling club and Benkete can still make a dream move to Real when he is 27. If he wont sign, then let the contract run down, we can replace him anyway. Don't let him go for 35 mill, it will get us on the road to nowhere........ Well, of course, ideal world is that he stays - but do you lose Benteke for, say, £35m or have him run down his contract and leave on a free? Let it run down. That is 17,5 mill a year and at lest 4-5 places higher in the league - almost pays for himself.

First time at Wembley today. Fantastic atmosphere in the Villa end. Liverpool were very quiet. Villa fan was so loud my ears are ringing. Cleverly was amazing clearly motm for my. He closed everything down. Grealish just need a goal, then he will be unstoppable. UTV

Why don't we just keep Tekkers for one more year. He is worth at least 5 places in the table for us and I am sure his value will not drop that much anyway. Just look at Cleverly.

That is 120K a week in Germany - are you sure that is correct? As far as I understood most contracts in Germany are driven by bonuses, with a fairly average base salary.