Aston Villa Transfer Rumors: Liam Ridgewell Hands In Transfer Request; Villa Fans Collectively Soil Themselves

(Check out SBNation.com for all of the latest transfer deadline rumors and news.)

Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell has handed in a transfer request, prompting almost instantaneous cries of terror from the claret and blue side of the Second City. It's no accident that Villa fans refer to him as "Agent Ridgewell"; despite being a competent defender somewhere in the neighborhood of 90% of the time, the former Villan is prone to making some pretty stunning errors in key situations. The versatility is nice, but in general Ridgewell is something of an underwhelming option for a team not expected to make very many moves before the close of the window.

Luckily, I don't think Villa fans have a whole lot to worry about. There are in fact other clubs in England aside from Birmingham City and Aston Villa; one of them, West Bromwich Albion, is right down the road and even made a bid for him earlier in the summer. There's also the fact that Birmingham are fighting for their lives in the Championship at the moment (and are likely going to have to move Scott Dann before the window closes) so they're going to be reluctant to sell a solid player with less than eye-popping transfer value; in fact, early reports are that Ridgewell's request has already been turned down.

So, breathe Villa fans. Agent Ridgewell hasn't been recalled just yet. And hey, if the Baggies up their bid, he may just be moving on to a new assignment.