Wantaway Diego is on Villa radar
Tuesday 28th June 2011, 11:00AM BST.
Brazil playmaker Diego is on Villa’s radar after issuing a come-and-get-me plea to Premier League clubs.
But Villa boss Alex McLeish would need to move on several of the club’s big earners in order to accommodate the Wolfsburg star.
The departure of Ashley Young and Nigel Reo-Coker has given McLeish room for manoeuvre, although he has made a new goalkeeper and a winger his priority, especially if Stewart Downing moves to Liverpool.
Wolfsburg are keen to get rid of the Brazil international after he fell out with the German club’s management.
And, with three years left on his contract, the 26-year-old could be allowed to leave on a season-long loan.
Diego, who was linked with the claret and blues in 2008 when Martin O’Neill was in charge, confirmed that there has been interest from Premier League clubs but refused to confirm if Villa were among them.
He said: “I prefer not to mention the names of clubs out of respect for the managers and the owners, but it’s true that there is contact with some clubs in England.
“Of course I will give these offers special attention because it’s my dream to play in the Premier League. At this moment, England is where I want to play.
“We are just starting to have conversations with clubs so it’s too early to say where I will be going, but it would be perfect if I can play in the Premier League.
“I have no idea in this moment of the exact fee, but I think because Wolfsburg and myself both want the same solution it will not be so difficult.
“When everybody wants the same outcome it makes things easier but I have not been told a number yet.
“I think it’s best if the club and myself go in different directions. I hope the move can work out well for everyone.”
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buy him its the kind of player we need his a playmaker and his got an eye for goal. this is something that villas been waiting for
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I Can’t see this one coming off, after all we were linked with this guy in the same window as the Sneijder & Van der Vaart links.
I Think it’s his agent more than likely gathering interest in his player for clubs to sign him by getting him to say there’s a few interested but i can’t say who.
But i could be wrong as McLeish did manage to sign Hleb for the blues when no one would have predicted that.
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class player if he can regain his form, has been off colour for a year or two – supposed to be a bit of a trouble maker, sulky too.
worthwhile gamble for the right price though 100%
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Downing for N’Zogbia & a profit, get Diego & offload Ireland (wouldn’t need both) & cement either Given or Foster in goals.
the backline is getting attention of the need for improvement however it was performing so well until last year, matter of form. You seem to be able to tell how effective a manager is from set plays going either way, new manager not coming in during the season should be able to sort it out. Just hold onto Warnock & Cuellar & we’re set.
Other signing would be squad players predominately from there.
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