RichiBoi11

People are talking about the fact that the club and the player wouldn't want this to drag this out, which I can understand, but I've just gone back to double check and last season Grealish signed his deal on the 15th September, which was the same day as the cup game at Burton, and only 6 days prior to our first game of the season. He'd been on holiday prior to this due to England duty. I think it's realistic to think we won't get any resolution on this, especially if there is a supposed deal, until next week at the very earliest. He clearly didn't do anything last summer until he was back from his holiday. Also, I know all announcements are worded to maximise excitement and positivity, but I'd like to think the quotes from the time he signed his deal are genuine. CEO Christian Purslow said: “Jack is an emblem of our Owner’s vision for Aston Villa. He joined our Club as a local boy aged six and has developed into one of the country’s finest players finally becoming a full England international last week. “We are determined to build a top team around him and are delighted that he is extending his contract and committing himself to the club he loves.” Jack Grealish said: “I am delighted to make this commitment to Villa. It is my club, my home and I am very happy here. The owners have made it very clear to me how ambitious they are and how they want to build Aston Villa. There are exciting times ahead and I am very glad to be part of it.”

That would be very immature. If we've gone to the trouble of entering talks it's because we've evaluated him at length (possibly for months) and decided he's the player we want. To throw all that groundwork away because someone outside the club has talked to the press would be madness. I know we like to do our business quietly, but we can't give up every time something goes public. Also the higher profile the player, the more likely this is. I mean look at the constant Sancho and Varane updates always put out about their transfers. It's part and parcel of covering football now, everyone either wants an exclusive, or to generate some buzz and cash from any deals.

He's a baggies fan that's been desperate for Grealish to leave for years.

Seb is the left back, but you're right, he has played centre back in both our friendlies. I believe Dom is coming back from an injury. So as it stands, until Mings returns to training there's now only Hause, Konsa and Bogarde. Part of me thinks we must be close to another centre back if Seb's been let go before trhe next friendly, but then I wouldn't be surprised if at Bristol on Saturday Hause and Konsa play the whole game, with a cameo for Bogarde if one has to come off.

Just any other player with an E in their name

Obviously he comes with the 'not played in the Premier League' caveat, but he is very, VERY good. He has a lot of things our attack currently lacks: pace, directness, good at set pieces. Plus he's coming off the back of his best season to date. He had 15 goals and 11 assists from a predominantly wide postiion last season. He can also play either flank or at a push, up top. The only thing he's not great at is defensive contribution, but that can always be coached if required.

Hughes won't be signing , he has an E in his name. (if you know you know)

Yeah I'm peeved this isn't being screened.

I'm not saying we are in for him or anything but I've just seen Southampton are playing tonight, and Ward Prowse travelled with the squad but isn't playing or on the bench. That's a strange one. Edit - nevermind he's just been confirmed as having a knock

So am I right in thinking this mass hysteria has stemmed from a reporter from The Athletic claiming its advanced? The same reporter that Mahrez called out for making stuff up and the same website that runs a story every week for seemingly the last year saying "Grealish might go, but he might not" People just need to chill out. There's nothing any of us can do anyway if he chooses to leave but there hardly seems to be anything tangible pointing towards an imminent departure either. Everyone just needs to calm down.

You could easily flip this the other way around and say he's not focusing on who has to win the ball back, because he wants to play in a way where a ball winner isn't essential. I agree that if you don't win the ball enough you're likely to conceed, but that's relative to your possession, and location of it on the pitch. If he's adding technical players like Buendia and hopefully Bailey, who are adept at keeping the ball that in itself relives pressure, and you don't have to win the ball back if you don't give it away in the first place.

True. He doesn't tend to make stuff up though, so if anyone was asceptical about if we were actually after him, then there at least seems to be some legitimate interest from our side.

The fact neither player is really similar to Watkins is another reason why the links to Alvarez make a lot of sense. If we could bring him in as well as Bailey then you have viable alternatives for Ollie's spot without changing the entire structure of the team and playing style. This is why Davis and Wesley probably both need loans, as when they do play, no matter how good or bad they may be, they just don't fit the style of play we are now using.

Make this happen!

The most sesnible post in here, by a long long way. He's not a CDM, and Smith doesn't want him as one. There are a lot of fans in here that want a real top drawer CDM, and I understand why they do, but that's not the style Smith utilises, and I feel Luiz gets unfairly blasted for not being that player, when he's not expected to be by the management anyway. Give him a decent rest after the Olympics and then ease him back in as a playmaker 6/8 hybrid and you could easily see him back to the form he showed during project restart.

He's also a seasoned winner like JT and he played 20 league games last season, so should be up to speed enough to step in should Konsa be unavailable. I'd love us to sign a real up and coming player who's also ready to step in, but they cost alot, and like you've suggested, if it leaves more money to strengthen other areas, I think this deal would make a lot of sense.

Yeah me too, if this is true he's not an inspiring signing, but he might strengthen the options there overall. Depends how much stock the coaches are putting in the current players abilities to further improve.

Try the same against Ramsey and Hourihane and that might make it clearer.

Some people would probably hate that, but I'd be on board with this.

Will Hughes is a decent footballer, and he can play a few different positions. If we were to sell Hourihane and loan Ramsey he'd be an upgrade in the squad for sure. He's not one of those exciting 'next level' type signings people want, but if depends why he's being signed (if this is actually true) If he's being signed as a squad player to pressure our midfielders and strengthen the squad/bench overall then he'd be a very good signing. If however, he were being targeted as a player to take us into Europe by playing every week then frankly, he's not good enough.

I wonder if he rates Hourihane

Is it a detailed article?