Officially official: Hiroshi Kiyotake not joining Aston Villa

The transfer rumour that wouldn't die now appears to be dead.

In a webchat with fans, Aston Villa Chief Executive Paul Faulkner was asked if the club would be signing Nuremburg midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake, and Faulkner confirmed what many suspected: they will not.  Faulkner did confirm that the club had made an inquiry about the player, but insisted that it's something they do about many players during the transfer window.  He says that no further action was taken after the initial inquiry.  Despite the insistence of some Twitter sleuths who will remain unnamed, Aston Villa's interest in the player appears to have ended weeks ago.

However, Faulkner did not rule out the possibility of Villa signing more players before the September 2nd transfer deadline.  That statement comes on the heels of rumours that Villa have been scouting Sochaux and Algeria winger Ryad Boudebouz.  And with the potential departure of striker Darren Bent, Villa may have some funds available to make some moves before the deadline.