Big Villa Sunday shirt competition and Carruthers, Dindane, Bannan and McCann

I wasn't expecting much from today but we've got a couple of bits of news and some decent speculation and some very made up speculation.

First bit of news is that Derby are after Barry Bannan and we have a quote. After that we've got the news that we've brought in another youngster, this time from Arsenal and this time, as if they all weren't 'special', he is apparently a real talent.

The kid is called Samir Carruthers, he is 15 years old and is or was the captain of the Arsenal U16 side. Nice. We can add him to the name that joined earlier in the week and the lad from Watford that joined a summer or two ago and hope that one of them does become the next big thing.

But, before I forget, back to Barry Bannan. Do you want him to leave? I wouldn't mind a loan move but the point of having these kids and a very good system in place is that one or two of them make it on a regular basis. Going to Derby isn't making it and unless they're willing to start paying cash, they have an American billionaire owner too you know, then a loan is the best they should get, unless O'Neill has plans to play him next season.

Nigel Clough
Barry is certainly one of the names because we know him and he has already been with us, but there are four or five possibilities.

Right, now to the speculation. First off is Atletico Madrid midfielder Jurado and according to the News of the World, we're willing to pay £7mn. for him. But don't be fooled that this is the first time this story has had an airing.

In the early part of the month, The Times ran with a story that reports in Spain had suggested we had bid £7mn. for the player so this could be a sister newspaper running with it or there could be some weight, but don't we have enough Martin O'Neill central midfielders already?

If this is true, it points to O'Neill admitting to mistakes because he has purchased Sidwell, Reo-Coker and Petrov and quite possibly a five man midfield as Jurado like to play as the attacking central midfielder in a five man midfield, something the Spanish have done for a while now.

If this meant a five man midfield, I'd welcome it with open arms. We will be a better team with a five man midfield and I think, deep down, Martin O'Neill knows that. But, that isn't the only rumour of the day.

The next one is Aruna Dindane and this one, I suspect, is just made up. He is a striker, 28 years old with no Premier League experience and a goal to game ratio of less than a goal every three games. Not coming and probably no interest. God, I hope I'm not wrong.

Lastly, we have speculation that we are after Chris McCann from Burnley. Actually what is happening is the club are offering him a new deal, his agent leaks the story that a Premier league club want him, to get a little more for himself and his client. We are the club used because McCann is young and a bit above his station.

Competition Time

AVFC Blog on Twitter

Right, that is almost it for now. I'm off to cut the grass again and I'm thinking about a beer or two this afternoon but I did promise you a competition. Now, to be in with a chance of winning, you first have to be following us on Twitter. Click here to see our Twitter page and follow us. Once you are following us, you are half way to winning. The next part is a little more difficult.

Some time next week, we're going to post a very easy question on Twitter and the first to reply with the right answer within twelve hours, on Twitter, wins the shirt and it isn't the Villa shirt, but the new England shirt. However and to make it more interesting, the question isn't going to be easy in the sense that you'll know the answer, it will be easy in the sense that it will only take you a few seconds to answer.

So, to win the shirt, first click here and start following. The rest will come next week via Twitter.