Transfer rumour roundup: Butland off? Phillips on?

The transfer rumour mill shows no sign of slowing down, and in fact, it’s actually making progress. Villa signed Matt Targett over the weekend and lodged a few bids as well.

Anything can happen, and click-hungry writers know that. The links will be made, and made more often from here on out.

So, as always - here’s the big Aston Villa transfer news stories. All of them worth a write-up in their own right, but you’ve only got so much time on your hands. Here’s an update on the rumours we covered previously and some new ones. Again - I’ve tried to add value to the ‘clickbait’ that we can easily find to actually make it worth reading about.

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Jack Butland

Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images

It’s all quiet on the Butland front. Aston Villa may have backed away from a deal for the England international due to Stoke’s pricey demands. While Villa might want to entertain the idea of bringing in a goalkeeper, they shouldn’t be paying a high price for Butland - as good as he is.

The frank truth is that other keepers, including Villa’s current number-one Jed Steer, are serviceable enough when other parts of the squad are in dire need of renovation. What’s more, quality keepers; like Tom Heaton of Burnley, are available and cheap.

Call this one dead - for now.

Adam Webster

Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

The tough-tackling ball carrying defensive dynamo from Bristol City has been the attention of an Aston Villa advance; one pushed back by Bristol City.

A low-ball bid for the £30 million rated centre-half was lodged by Villa last week - and it was pretty much instantly rejected.

Webster is quality and is a leading Championship defender. Villa should pay a premium to acquire him, but patience is needed here. The Robins aren’t going to drop their asking price. It’s up to Villa to pull the plug - and news that they are potentially looking at Jack Stephens of Southampton hints at that happening.

However, Webster is available (at the right price) - and remains a tempting buy for Villa.

Marvelous Nakamba

Photo credit should read KURT DESPLENTER/AFP/Getty Images

A few weeks ago, Marvelous Nakamba was linked with a mega-money move to Aston Villa from Club Brugge ahead of his trip to the Africa Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe.

It has now emerged that the hype - and a lack of a deal from Aston Villa - has upset him. He’s now quoted at a much lower fee - which must make it a lot more attractive of a deal for Aston Villa.

No solid news has emerged, so it may be that Marvelous has to wait for the move that he wants.

Emre Mor

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

The ‘Turkish Messi’ was included in a rumour-roundup by the Express and Star - which also noted his attitude problems. Mor is currently available on a free transfer - because Celta Vigo want rid of him that much.

As good as he can be - if a club wants him gone at a massive loss, Villa should want no part in that unless they are truly confident they can turn him round.

Borussia Dortmund and Celta Vigo couldn’t manage that - so Villa should cut the cord here if it’s planned. Villa need a positive and like-minded squad, and players who won’t gel need to be left well alone.

Gary Cahill

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

No news here - except that Gary Cahill is now officially a free agent having left Chelsea upon the expiry of his contract. A proven, reliable and expensive defender on the market is going to have suitors. Apparently Arsenal, Leicester and Liverpool, as well as Villa, are in for him! This happens.

Cahill is going to be linked with Villa for a few reasons - namely that he was a former Villa player who never got the chance to excel at the club. The other big reason is that his former club-mate, John Terry, is on the Villa staff. It’s an easy, and realistic, link to make.

However, there’s no solid news here.

Matt Targett

Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

Flashback to June 15th:

‘Villa will look to complete a deal for Matt Targett over the next week or so. According to the Express and Star, the £10 million left-back will be a fairly cheap deal and secure a weak position.’

Job done - for £11.5 million. We’re not always wrong, it just took a little longer than expected.

Kalvin Phillips

Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Kalvin Phillips to Aston Villa is the hottest rumour in town - but Leeds are said to be pushing for more cash after Villa made a bid over the weekend. He’s wanted - and he’s needed - but there will be some pushing and shoving between Villa and Leeds as they butt heads over this particular transfer.

Villa’s resolve will now be tested if Leeds turn away from the last bid made by Villa.

You only need to look to the Jack Butland ‘deal’ to see the bargaining power that clubs can have around key players. Kalvin is key to Marcelo Bielsa and he’s beloved by the fans. He’ll only go for the price that Leeds want, and while that won’t be £30 million, it’ll still be a bit more than Villa are putting on the table right now.

Watch this space?