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FC Nuremberg released a statement last night, saying that they have received no new bids for Japanese midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake. Aston Villa have been linked to the midfielder repeatedly, but despite the wishes of many on twitter, it just doesn't seem as if there is any reason to believe that Kiyotake will be headed to Birmingham. After his strong first season in the Bundesliga, Nuremberg seem - logically - keen to keep Kiyotake around, and have stated that there is no interest in selling him.
But luckily this gives me a moment to address the relentless nature of this rumour. Since it first began a month ago, with almost no real evidence, this is the rumour that has refused to die. Numerous Villa fans keep bringing it up, and it eventually makes its way up the echo chamber of Aston Villa news. The fact that so many are willing to believe the exact opposite of what's been officially stated by clubs is incredible (in the most literal sense of that word). Knock it off, folks. I don't mind talking about the rumour, but quit claiming that you know better than the preponderance of actual evidence. You're not in the know, you're just obnoxious.