David Villa

[dww]

£70m is a drop in the ocean for City so they would probably be prepared to pay that.

It's winning that counts for them, not how much money they spend.

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out. So far they have actually seemed a lot more sensible than people make out - retaining Hughes and now going for his PL experienced targets rather than looking to get another Robinho style transfer.

[Rich]

It'll be interesting to see how this pans out. So far they have actually seemed a lot more sensible than people make out - retaining Hughes and now going for his PL experienced targets rather than looking to get another Robinho style transfer.

You know they're going to go for another blockbusting deal though; Robinho has been a success in his first few months with a lot of goals, outrageous skill, and snide comments. A true prima donna.

[dww]

You know they're going to go for another blockbusting deal though; Robinho has been a success in his first few months with a lot of goals, outrageous skill, and snide comments. A true prima donna.

I think they might well wait until summer. I can't think of any player of that sort who would come (and be useful) in a relegation fight.

[Imy]

I think they might well wait until summer. I can't think of any player of that sort who would come (and be useful) in a relegation fight.

Money talks, they got Robinho after all.

[dww]

Money talks, they got Robinho after all.

He seemed to be pushed away somewhat by Real or at least wasn't one of their mos valued players, City also weren't in a relegation fight at the time. I agree that money does talk but I suspect that most of the best players are already pretty well paid and as we have seen over the years very few world names are willing to jack in well paying roles at top clubs to come to England (with it's poor weather etc) for the big bucks while they are doing well in their career elsewhere. Many accounts already have them being rejected by the likes of Buffon.

I think in the current situation there is an effect on both ways in that the owners accept that they need a team to fight relegation and PL experienced players are a decent bet and star names won't come without the hope of European football. At the minute I doubt many are convinced by Hughes as manager which means they will be thinking that will be two years with no European football.

I think Hughes is unlikely to try and go for the older stars who might be willing to come but could struggle in the PL like Shevchenko did.

[Rich]

City wont be in a relegation battle if they can sort out their defence, way too good going forward for that to happen; yes there is an imbalance in the team especially in midfield which is putting strain on the defence, but just buying a couple of good defenders will see them shoot up the table, they're only 6 points off seventh.

[dww]

City wont be in a relegation battle if they can sort out their defence, way too good going forward for that to happen; yes there is an imbalance in the team especially in midfield which is putting strain on the defence, but just buying a couple of good defenders will see them shoot up the table, they're only 6 points off seventh.

I think they need more than just good defenders - I think they have some already. They need players with the right mentality and someone in midfield capable of coordinating those around them and adding a bit of steel as well.

[AFII]

I think they need more than just good defenders - I think they have some already. They need players with the right mentality and someone in midfield capable of coordinating those around them and adding a bit of steel as well.

They need a Stevie G type of player. Someone that all the other players listen to.

[Vermilion]

Hmmm, wish we had a proper use for this thread, an lfc fan on the Radio said "it was all over merseyside that Villa had been seen at Anfield today". if only, but it's rare for us to pull such things out of the bag.

[Shanks]

Just heard that on TS.

Vinny O'Connor on SSN reported that Parry had said, that no further business will be done in this window.

[tommyg]

Stoke 1 - Man City 0

[Vermilion]

Broke his leg at World Club Championship.

[Norbs]

Shame. That's that then really. He's the wrong side of 30 already and it's going to be a fair while before he can even get back on track

[Mostar]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeGEeHAGnjY"]David Villa breaks leg in Club World Cup match - YouTube[/ame]

[Chris]

Mega blow for Spain if he misses the Euro's. Good chance for Llorente or Soldado if the manager ever picks him.