Aston Villa are in negotiations with Lazio over forward Libor Kozak. Paul Faulkner and Paul Lambert are going to be very busy over the next 24 hours as they plan to ship out 4 players and hopefully bring in a few more. Kozak might join Aston Villa on loan if a deal can be made within the next 24 hours.
Kozak was the Europa League’s top scorer last season, but didn’t score a single goal in the Serie A last season. Some reports claim that a deal has already been agreed but I’m not going to confirm this one until it actually happens. From what I’ve also been reading, Kozak is a little bit like Klose, not very fast but very good in the air.
I don’t really want to complain about a transfer target but I do question the need of Kozak, especially since Lambert has already signed a very similar player in Helenius. On top of that, Aston Villa also have Bowery, who Paul Lambert has also signed. Unless, the plan is to play him behind Benteke I really see no need in Kozak.
Still, some argue that we need to strengthen our team, which I agree, but I think that our forwards have potential and given the right service (in the form of an attacking midfielder), Aston Villa will have a great season.
Hate loan moves there pointless shame on Lambert thought he hatred them we need a cam hope we get one wheres the extra money we got from t v lerner
This is an odd signing
Kendrick tweeted it’ll be a permanent deal, not a loan.
Don’t find this odd at all.
We have Benteke, Gabby, Helenius and Weimann as our forwards and Tonev can play out wide. That’s 5 players for 3 positions. We still have Bowery who will probably go out on loan, that leaves 4 players for 3 positions. Helenius when he joined said he wants to play with Benteke, not up front when Benteke wants a rest, so that adds another position, the AM position, which really only Helenius and Tonev can play at the moment. So 5 players for 4 spots if Bowery doesn’t leave. Of course if injuries hit we’ll continue playing 3 CM’s, but Kozak would be our 2nd choice striker. He could start in the cups, he could even start ahead of Benteke if we have another run of 4 games in so many days.
You’re not wrong mate but I meant in terms of priority it seems odd that we are going for another forward to suit one system. Our forwards and attacking have flexibilty meaning we don’t have to stick to the 3 upfront. We could easily play a 442 system to make up for any injuries etc or a 451/4231.
I always put faith in PL so I’m sure he knows what he’s doing but I would have liked to have seen a solid DM or an AM ahead of another out and out striker.
*forwards and attacking players
That’s the luxury we have at the moment
I agree, but we had chances at both Chelsea and Liverpool, especially Liverpool and couldn’t put them away. We dominated them in chances and missed time after time. But then we don’t have a single player we could have brought on, other than Helenius who would have been able to put them away. We need that extra striker as we no longer have the Bent option, so we’re simply stuck.If Benteke’s not scoring once a game at least like Sturridge, then we don’t have a striker to score and have to hope our wingers in Gabby and Weimann to score.
We could very well sign more than just Kozak though.
But if we didn’t concede so many goals one goal could be enough most games
I think if we played a 4-4-2 with Agbonlahor and Weimann in more forward positions then I’d see no need for an attacking midfielder or another defensive.
But Villa will play a 4-2-3-1, we need an attacking midfielder more than anything else
As I was taking a shower it occurred to me that we don’t have a good replacement should Benteke get injured. Helenius and Bowery are a bit too young to lead the line, so Kovak may make sense
I think a loan move would be most appropriate because I think Helenius will lead the line next season, so we’ll see.
No Andrew, it is a bit odd, imo.
Where’s the same sort of backup for the defence?
I for one, am not convinced we have really decent backup in any of the back 4 positions.
Up and coming yes, but that’s it (maybe exclude Baker from that, as he’s not far off imo).
I suspect a bit of a smokescreen myself and it really wouldn’t surprise me if we get a quality midfielder.
That said, we all know where Lambert’s priorities are.
I personally think our defence will be fine. It’s getting better every game and competition for places is very healthy.
RB: Lowton, Bacuna
CB: Okore, Vlaar, Clark, Baker
LB: Luna, Bennett
Plus, Herd can play in all three positions. Yes, they might not be the best defenders, but they’re young and will improve.
The back up defenders are almost as shit as the first 4. With the exception of Okore we do not have one decent defender even Lowton can’t defend but is good going fwd
Exactly where’s the cover for Luna and Lowton Ffs. Pks don’t mention Bennett. What if Okore is injured who will replace him.
It’s really not that odd though. I mean we have 8 defenders for 4 spots, a few kids can play there as well. While it’s not great, we have more depth there than at the striker position.
If we got a new defender in, it’d probably be a loan deal for someone like Ba. A new midfielder could possibly come in. Kozak doesn’t have to be the only signing we make.
So what happens if we have Injuries for defence and midfield. It’s not like we are particular good in those depts anyway. So what does that useless twat lamberk do sign a striker. Absolute genius lamberk u useless twonk!!
Absolutely mistified, has to be a reason behind that deal, all our signing are centered around forwards, why? Do we need this type of player, are we selling Benteke in 5 months? as a deal been made along the line, bewildered.
Think u coukd be right re benteke going tomor or in jan
You’re definitely going to hurt yourself.
Benteke’s not leaving tomorrow and he’s DEFINITELY not leaving in January. Why would we ever sell him in January?
Benteke will not be leaving tomorrow!
January wouldn’t surprise me though.
Think of the money! (most of which will go in Lerner’s back pocket, ta very much).
I saw Kovak more of a back-up than a replacement for Benteke. But I can’t see the pair starting together. Unless Lambert is going to completely change the formation and system, which I can’t happening
Agreed. Kozak’s used to playing back up and he’ll continue to at Villa, but he’s also another option we simply lack up front which showed against both Chelsea and Liverpool.
I believe that Aston Villa desperately need a new attacking midfielder. If I was a scout I’d recommend Sigurðsson from Tottenham to Paul Lambert. Spurs have bought big, and you could argue that Sigurðsson has fallen down the pecking order. He is 23 years of age and he’s quite experienced.
I think a bid of 8-10 million would be enough and he’s exactly what we need.
No way would lambert spend £8m on a player Lerner would never finance that. £9m is all we have spent this year on 6 players Ffs. Quantity over quality everytime with us. Okore is the only decent signing lamberk has made this summer.
Done deal, 4m for Kozak. A great signing.
I’ve just heard 7.5 million euros, plus add-ons.
First thoughts, a bit skeptical
I read 4m pounds. Don’t really know.
We’ll just have to wait until tomorrow. I’m sure this deal will be concluded early on.
Then Paul Faulkner will focus on Bannan to Palace and Given to Liverpool. Some ITK claim that there will be a bigger signing by Aston Villa after Kovak
Sort of like Benteke last summer? Hopeful.
There will be the usual bollox if us being linked to someone like belganda etc for 12m but we all no it won’t come if just a publicity stunt. Then lamberk and faulkner will issue this statement ‘keeping benteke was the best business we have done this summer after that we have signed sjx quality players for just £9 which means randy can picket £90m sky money as he has built another successful team that will finish 4th from bottom’!!
That’s a poor siging to me no goals in seria a wont cut in pl another bowery if you ask me what a waste of money
In midfield we have
Westwood, Delph, Sylla, El Ahmadi, Gardner, Herd and Johnson. For 3 positions… 3.
Defense you do have an argument for.
Ok but delph and maybe Westwood are ok the rest are crap IMO
Links please. Don’t just say it, post the links!
http://www.gianlucadimarzio.com/calciomercato/kozak-allaston-villa-accordo-con-la-lazio/
Cheers 🙂
Andrew no offence but only Delph and Westwood are good the rest are meh no creativity in the midfield we need s cam
Gardner and Sylla are better than meh.
I also agree, we need an AM, I’ve posted a host of AM’s I thought would be good for Villa on here a while ago. But we still needed a striker.
I rate Sylla.
If I were to be completely honest, I think Westwood has been the worst of the bunch. I know some rate him, but he doesn’t put in the same shift as El Ahmadi, Delph or Sylla.
If I could have it my way. I’d play Delph and Sylla together, under the condition that one stayed back at all times. And play Helenius behind Benteke.
Woops, forgot El Ahmadi. He’s better than meh as well.
I gotta agree, though I still think he has much better ball movement than any other midfielder we have.
Delph’s got great energy and will put a foot in but I don’t rate him as a player that can move the ball around.
Sylla’s your natural DM.
Don’t think we can drop Westwood unless someone better came in with the ability to pass the ball around.
Delph is really the only quality midfielder we have now, sylla is typical villa player hard working but fuck all quality Westwood hasn’t performed this season IMO but has potential, Gardner is lightweight and will end up like the Moore brothers, kae is a headless chicken but tbf has improved and us more like a chicjen with a head
El Ahmadi is class, I said it all along and now he’s loking like it’ll be his breakthrough season for us, if he can start geting in on the goals like a feyernoord he’ll be even better. Disargee about Sylla, lad is young and doesn’t really speak English yet, gonna be tough for him for a while for him, he’s got bags of ability, Delph and Westy also are very good, I don’t have a problem with any of them we just need someone to sit behind them and pick up the pieces as their only young and prone to mistakes.
Kea is class! Seriously! I usually agree with u md8 but wouldn’t put kae as class but he has improved this year tbf
If we just paid 7.5mil + add ons in a reported 9mil fee for “who the feck is” Kozak, I’m going into hibernation for the rest of the season
A Czech Republic International, lead goal scorer in the Europa League last season that included the likes of Bale, single handed took out Two German clubs due to his goals, gave Spurs a hell of a hard time, a guy despite not scoring last season in the league averages a goal every 207 minutes for Lazio in the league in his 3 seasons, a striker who is actually taller than Benteke, He even started against Italy in the Czech’s last world cup qualifier.
He’s not some unknown player. Lol
Okay, fair play, I never heard of him tbh. But, in any event, 9mil?!
I’ve read 4m pounds, I can’t see it getting that high.
If it’s 4mil, I have no issues mate and think it could be good business condiering the stats you’ve mentioned. Let’s hope so and for a couple more in tomorrow. UTV
What’s being taller than benteke got to do with the price if fish helenius is bigger than both. At least we can have a decent basket ball team now!!
Well considering all this hype about how physical the EPL is, he’s taller and just as big, meaning he should be able to handle himself.
Heskey was a big bloke but was scared of his own shadow means nothing.
Ooh ash.. FFS mate.. Give it a rest., you’ve spent an entire thread moaning like a bloody woman..
If our defence is so shit then why have we only
Conceded 4 goals this season compared to 12 against same teams last season!!??
Yes we all wang new signings but to bang on about the same point over and over again gets tedious to read..!
We could of been 3-4 goals down in the first half v arsenal and Chelsea just lucky we wernt. Also ur comparing Chelsea to last season where no one else loses 8.0 to them only us so its obvious with a defensive mourunho Chelsea it couldn’t get any where bear as bad again
Lucky? Why does it have to be “lucky”, why can it never be that the defense is actually getting better? Simply because it ACTUALLY IS.
Because if arsenal were at full strength and took the chances we gave them on a plate it would have been a different story. Guzan saved us umpteen times at arsenal and Chelsea. Yes we did well in those games but both times conceded a goal in first 5 mins so yet again we don’t learn from mistakes. But those results mean nothing even Cardiff kept a clean sheet v man city ffs. More than we could ever do. Lets face it the team is shit lambert is shit Lerner just wants to stay up and has no ambition to do anything else the fans are stupid for being ecstatic over bottom six mediocrity. The whole club is a joke open your eyes!!
What saves did Guzan make against Chelsea?
What sort of lame statement is that about Chelsea being defensive. Rather then credit out defence.
You got to be blind not to notice the improvement.
Chelsea are defensive under mourunho they will win most games but won’t hammer many teams
Arsenal had only 4 shots on target. 4… I’m sorry you claiming Guzan saved our asses against them is as per usual, completely incorrect.
Chelsea had 3 shots on target… 3… So again, I’m sorry but you claiming Guzan saved our asses is once again, as per usual, incorrect.
Our defense kept Chelsea to shooting completely off target and from outside the 18, none of this “oh we had Guzan save our ass, open your eyes”.
Oh and Chelsea had 2/3’s of the possession and a total of 15 shots, but you can pretend they’re defensive all your little old heart desires.
We still defended poorly and were lucky their strikers had an off day that’s all
Fuck me Oohah…….you’ve now reverted to making up bollocks to ‘prove’ you’re point!
If Arsenal were at full strength? Jenkinson for Sagna and Cazorla for Ox the only changes from the side we beat to that which beat Spurs.
Guzan’s heroics vs the World? Two great saves against an Arsenal side that has won every other game they’ve played. Nothing vs the Chavs where Cech kept them in it at times whilst he did nothing of note v Liverpool either while Mignolet pulled off a couple of Worldys.
Cardiff’s “clean sheet”? Which part of 3-2 don’t you understand? I know the Welsh get the unfair advantage of money from both English and Welsh FA but didn’t know they were awarded clean sheets for conceding less than 2 a game.
It’s like trying to have a conversation at a window licking contest on here at times.
Keep the lies coming
Lol that’s made me laugh mik
Odd. I always saw Bowery as a replacement for Delfouneso and Helenius as a replacement for Bent, but who knows now? Maybe Kozak is Delfouneso’s replacement? Like most of you, I am a bit surprised. It is a strange move considering the only news we’ve had this month was concerning offloading players and searching for an AM if the price is right. I don’t know, if we sign Kozak I have a feeling we are also in the market for one or two more. I just can’t see us not signing at least one creative or defensive midfielder. Sadly I fear our transfer business will depend on Given and Ireland.
Yep, I’m in the same boat as you. I guess Kovak will be brought in to challenge Benteke for a starting position and a replacement should he get injured.
I think Given and Bannan are off, I’m really unsure about our other players. I just don’t know if there will be interest
Simply don’t rate Kozak, he is nowhere near the new Stoke signing Arnautovic who cost £2m.
No pace, not technical, feet are clumsy and not got great movement, hence only a squad player at Lazio.
Who is running our club? Potentially €9m for Kozak? Are they mental?
Poor, very poor by Lambert, Faulkner and Villa!
Why arnt they spending that money on a dm or am Ffs. What a joke
I think the defence is actually ok, and going to improve. Baker looks great, if a little injury prone, and even Clark looked ok before he gashed his head. Okore seems to be giving Vlaar the confidence to do what he needs to do, while looking like a fantastic signing in his own right. We’re still only a mid-table team and even defenders in top teams make mistakes (ManC conceded three against Cardiff?!). The mythical perfect defender doesn’t exist, not even in the revered ‘Sky4’ teams OOHAH talks about with such reverence. Besides, the plan has been to revamp and regenerate the team over a few seasons. It’s not an excuse to be wheeled out when we don’t get into Europe each season, it’s something we can actually see going on in front of us. I really liked the look in pre-season of Jonoi Donacien. He’s still young and needs to develop but yet again we might already have the answer within the academy. The team needs to develop slowly, get players and areas of the field developing (for example the left side of Luna, Delph and Gabby is working well, while the right of Lowton and Wiemann is missing the link in the middle – possibly Sylla?) and then buy in players in places they’re needed. Not buying a CB in January nearly did it for us but we survived and in came Okore exactly where we need him. It seems we’re not buying our way into the top four, so while we have a number of midfielders and defenders to choose from, plus new ones working their way up through the academy (and going on loan to get experience) and are rebuilding the squad slowly they may as well all be given a chance (with the prospect of what happened to Ireland and Bannan as a warning to anyone not putting in a shift). I didn’t actually think Delph would turn into what he has, and considering he’s only been fully fit for a couple of years, this season he could really turn into something special. So while it would be good to see a new AM come in, we already have quite a few options there. I still think we’re going to do surprisingly well this season.
Agree there is no such thing as perfect defender and yes every defender makes mistakes. But they don’t do it week in week out like ours do they don’t constantly concede from set pieces in the last 10 minutes they learn from their mistakes where ours don’t they don’t lose 8 fuckin nil to Chelsea they manage to keep clean sheets from time to time and dont go nearly a fuckin year without one in the prem the proof is in the pudding the worst defensive record Wev ever had last season.
8-0? Clark and Baker IIRC, both dropped in it, with Lichaj/Bennett on the left. Vlaar and Okore have so far dropped three goals working together in two league matches, of which one was an offside free kick, one an own goal and one a work of genius from Sturridge. Okore has already shown how good he is, Luna is looking an excellent buy and Vlaar is able to concentrate more on his game. He’s not had that golden contract extension yet, this is his season to prove what he can do or I suspect be replaced.
Iv no problem with Okore he is a good signing IMO but vlaar still ropey IMO though I admit he has improved but was awful at arsenal and responsible for Chelsea 2nd goal and liverpools goal
has any though that hellius may be used as an atticing midlander as he plyed well there in some pre seasons freldiles and kock as back up for benteke