Villa play the waiting game

Last updated : 26 June 2008 By Tom Vickers
Villa have been forced into a patient approach as they search for new recruits.
A number of deals are currently on hold with some looking more likely than others.
For starters, the signing of Steve Sidwell, which seemed certain to be done by the beginning of this week, now looks less definite.
The reason -
Chelsea's appointment of Luis Scolari as manager.
Sidwell has declared that he wants a meeting with the new boss at the Bridge before deciding on his future.
Surely with players such as Deco and Arshavin being linked with the Blues he can be under no illusion that his future lies in
West London.
If he couldn't fight his way past Michael Ballack and Michael Essien, how is he to compete with two of Euro 2008's finest players?

Focused

While Sidwell remains in a state of delusion, Liverpool are left in limbo.
The Reds are unable to find the funds necessary to recruit Gareth Barry and appear to be waiting to sell Xabi Alonso.
But the player is more focused on the European Championship final in
Vienna than a probable move to Turin, for now at least.
Then there is Paul Robinson, another Villa target.
He too is uncertain where his future lies as Spurs seem set to sign Brazilian keeper Heurelho Gomes from PSV Eindhoven.
Robinson is said to be in talks with the Claret and Blue who hope to sign him before their Intertoto campaign gets underway in mid-July.

Confused

Finally there is the issue of England winger David Bentley.
The
Blackburn midfielder clearly wants to leave Ewood Park but is being blocked from talking to other clubs.
Villa have apparently had a £15m bid turned down but may be waiting on the funds from the Barry sale before upping their offer.
So the former Arsenal man's future could reside in the hands of
Liverpool, who are ironically also targeting him.
Confused yet?
It's just a typical case of the merry Premiership merry-go-round.
Congratulations to those who invented the transfer window system because it certainly spices up the summer of every English football club.