Aston Villa transfer diary 2 - 17 January 2010

With recent results not going particularly well for Villa, there must be a temptation to bolster the squad in the transfer window. But who have the papers been linking to Villa?

Aston Villa transfer diary 20 December 2009 - 1 January 2010

Saturday 2 January 2010
The Daily Mirror reckon that Birmingham will sign Villa's Craig Gardner for around £3.5m whilst elsewhere reporting that Martin O'Neill insists winger Ashley Young is not a diver.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sunday 3 January 2010
Continued speculation about Emile Heskey with The Mail on Sunday reporting an imminent £4m bid from Chelsea - or possibly Liverpool. The Sunday Mirror reckon that Villa are looking to build a monopoly of players with the surname 'Downing' by bidding for West Brom's teenage defender Paul.

Monday 4 January 2010
The Daily Mail link Villa and a host of other clubs to Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth. While the Daily Mirror continue to link Craig Gardener to Blues.

Tuesday 5 January 2010
Martin O'Neill continues to ponder reasons why Villa are so poor in March.

Wednesday 6 January 2010
Does the return of 'Gardeners World' distract the players?

Thursday 7 January 2010
Do the players eat mars bars in deference to the the Roman god of war who the month is named after - it would excuse their lethargy?

Friday 8 January 2010
The Sun report that Hull are interested in Marlon Harewood.

Saturday 9 January 2010
The Sun suggest that Robbie Keane is wanted by Villa - but Spurs have slapped a £50m valuation on him - and that Wigan and Villa are interested in Sporting Gijon's Spain Under-21 left-back Roberto Canella who is available for about £4m.

The Daily Star report that West Ham are the latest club linked with a move for Marlon Harewood.

Sunday 10 January 2010
The News of the World oddly reckon that James Milner needs a big pay rise to stop Liverpool from signing him - has his agent been on the phone?

Monday 11 January 2010
St Patrick's Day! There's a possibility.

Tuesday 12 January 2010
Newcastle are considering a permanent deal for Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood if Leeds stall on selling Jermaine Beckford according to The Daily Mirror.

Wednesday 13 January 2010
The Sun now suggest that Marlon Harewood could go to Leeds as a direct replacement for Beckford - he may even score goals in League One.

Thursday 14 January 2010
Four teams are looking at Nigel Reo-Coker according to The Times, with Blackburn, Bolton, Wigan and Hull prepared to pay up to £5m. Bite. Their. Hands. Off. But The Sun reckons that Reo-Coker will reject Blackburn.

Friday 15 January 2010
The final week of Mardi Gras is in March - make note, check for funny outfits and loud music ... scratch that, how will that be any different from normal for footballers.

Saturday 16 January 2010
Perhaps its a mental thing.

Sunday 17 January 2010
Damn it looks like March has started early this year.

*Will Villa be trading or buying in this window, or do they have the players to finish fourth? Let us know!