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MonTheHoops
09-08-2006, 11:53 AM
Stilian Petrov will be a Villa player in time for the big kick-off against Arsenal on August 19.

The Celtic midfielder is set within days to become Martin O'Neill's first signing as Villa boss.

Villa are ready to beat Portsmouth to the punch by lodging a £5m bid after high- level talks.

Pompey have had two offers rejected for the 27-year-old, the last of which was said to be "close" to £5m.

But Villa believe they have their man and are confident the fact the 70-capped Bulgarian international is a close friend of O'Neill will swing the deal.

Villa still have to agree terms, but are confident they can meet Petrov's £32,000 a week wages at Parkhead.

Target

O'Neill declared his public stance on all transfer speculation yesterday when he said: "I won't confirm or deny any speculation about players" when asked about Petrov.

But sources have confirmed the midfielder - a Villa target under David O'Leary last season - is set to join the club imminently.

"He will definitely be in for the first game of the season," said a source.

A box-to-box midfielder who scored his 63rd goal in his 300th game for the Hoops in the 2-1 defeat against Hearts at the weekend, Petrov is set to replace Steven Davis for the first Premiership game at the Emirates Stadium.

Davis is still struggling with a thigh strain sustained against Wolves 10 days ago and has remained at Bodymoor Heath.

Petrov is set to appear in London tomorrow night when Celtic take on champions Chelsea in a friendly.

Celtic want £7m, but they have a pressing need for cash to fund new signings and may be willing to accept an offer of £5m up front with add-ons.
emurf
09-08-2006, 11:54 AM
I'd say Lennon will join him and they way he played last weekend they're welcome to him
PabloDollbox
09-08-2006, 12:02 PM
Delighted for him. It'll be interesting to see how he copes playing at a respectable level of football.
MonTheHoops
09-08-2006, 12:24 PM
Delighted for him. It'll be interesting to see how he copes playing at a respectable level of football.

Likewise. Kind of like the GOC situation at the moment where neither wants to be where they are. Interesting to see if GOC gets to move to Southend and play football at a respectable level though you'd have to question his ability if he doesn't do things there this time round.
Papa Smurf
09-08-2006, 12:43 PM
That would be a great signing for Villa, im surprised the bigger fish havent shown an interest before now. He will be a massive loss for celtic, but you cant keep a player who wants away
dotty
09-08-2006, 01:11 PM
That would be a great signing for Villa, im surprised the bigger fish havent shown an interest before now. He will be a massive loss for celtic, but you cant keep a player who wants away

think the bigger fish are perhaps afraid he could be another "barry ferguson",who was great in the SPL but failed miserably to make the grade in england after blackburn shelled out was it 5/6million although to be fair to the lad he did have a bad time with injuries.

think petrov will be different though and a good capture for villa.
MonTheHoops
09-08-2006, 01:19 PM
Ok, being completely honest about Stan he has 2 good games in 3. He's a Celt and a Celtic hero but won't be a legend. Sutton was a Cetic hero but not a legend though Stan's been at Celtic long enough to become one. He plays 2 good games in 3 which is a good return but when he goes missing he goes missing for long periods.

Keep that schtum til we get the 7M we're after though
dotty
09-08-2006, 01:25 PM
Ok, being completely honest about Stan he has 2 good games in 3. He's a Celt and a Celtic hero but won't be a legend. Sutton was a Cetic hero but not a legend though Stan's been at Celtic long enough to become one. He plays 2 good games in 3 which is a good return but when he goes missing he goes missing for long periods.

Keep that schtum til we get the 7M we're after though

think he would relish a new challenge in the PL,to be fair to the lad it must be pretty hard to play well week in week out in the SPL but agree with ya hoops should hold out for the clubs valuation of the player if that is 7m.
MonTheHoops
09-08-2006, 02:18 PM
think he would relish a new challenge in the PL,to be fair to the lad it must be pretty hard to play well week in week out in the SPL but agree with ya hoops should hold out for the clubs valuation of the player if that is 7m.


Oh I completely agree and the guy is better than what the SPL has to offer without doubt. I don't begrudge him leaving at all to be fair.