Oblak

Ajax are apparently trying to talk Onana into signing a new contract, but he's holding out. Certainly seems more attainable than Oblak atm, and Ajax don't tend to shy away from good money.

Onnana is not ideal, as he can be erratic at times, but he’d still be an upgrade on Kepa. Probably £30m should do it.

comment by jp1911 (U9072)
posted 5 hours, 58 minutes ago
comment by JFDI (U1657)
posted 3 minutes ago
I doubt it, I do think we will be getting another keeper. Several are linked.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 4 in recent days with oblak, onanna, Henderson and cakir
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep, those are the ones I've seen. Maybe we'll surprise everyone, but a cheaper keeper, keep kepa the keeper. Try saying that with your mouth full, but seriously a decent cheap keeper offering a challenge to Kepa and draw out the best in both. Just a guess, nothing to base the hat on.

I personally see it as less than 1% chance of it happening

I'm willing to give Kepa one more year. Goalkeepers typically mature slower than outfield players and at 25 y/o he's still relatively young considering keepers can go into their late 30's.

Keepers are a big investment, replacing the #1 you have to be sure before making the call. If he wasn't on top wages with 4 1/2 years remaining on a six year contract & the bigger priority wasn't the defense as a whole replacing him would be more tempting, but at this time I don't see it as practical. Saying that I wouldn't criticize the club if they did I can't lie.

I think Frank should get a specialist defence coach in to get this sorted long term - JT??

Villa's defensive record has been poor since Smith-Terry got the gig. Smith's an offensive minded coach but still any impact Terry may be having on the defense isn't evident from the outside. He's also on very good money as a no.2, might have to take a pay cut as a generic staff member.

Could try bringing Alessio (Conte's former assistant) back in? Defensive record with Kilmarnock was respectable.

comment by bloomike (U7734)
posted 1 hour, 31 minutes ago
I think Frank should get a specialist defence coach in to get this sorted long term - JT??
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I've said before bloo, that I think that would possibly be a bad idea.

There can only be 1 number one and I've no doubt JT see's this as his club as well as Frank.

I keep asking myself if he'd be happy to be number 2 or even 3 (behind Jody) and if there could be some conflict and I'm not convinced there wouldn't.

Added to that, Villa don't exactly look water tight either!

Yes of course Brummie. I just typed JT kind of tongue-in-cheek - overlooking that aspect you highlighted. Silly idea!!

Going down the specialist coach route could be worth exploring. Wouldn't mind the set piece one Klopp brought to Liverpool