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1 year ago
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Follow Mail Sport's live blog as Tom Collomosse answers all the big questions regarding Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Leicester are dominating the Championship, are there any major plans for January?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: If they’re still in a commanding position, there will be limited movement though they may try to sign a centre-forward, and they haven’t given up hope of agreeing new deals for Ndidi and Iheanacho.
A big month for Steve Cooper's side, says David the Forest fan, what does the future hold for Awoniyi, who is interested in him?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: Awoniyi is one of the most underrated centre-forwards in the top flight. Despite an injury absence, he’s already scored four goals this term and is crucial to the way Forest play.
Chelsea had a look last summer but from Forest’s point of view, Awoniyi’s age may work in their favour. Not many clubs pay big money for 26-year-olds in the FFP era.
Where does Gary O'Neil see Cunha's long-term position in the team?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: O’Neil likes Cunha as a mobile central striker. He’s not a classic centre-forward but his pace and skill means he can be highly effective picking the ball up deep and linking with team-mates.
To Wolves now and we have a question from 'Musings from Molineux': Do you think the priority in January is a wide forward or central striker?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: Wolves have not had a reliable central striker since November 2020, when Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull that briefly placed his life in danger.
Don’t expect much spending in January, though. Wolves’ priority is to meet FFP requirements and their strong start to the season means there is no need to gamble.
And lastly on Villa, the mood is understandably buoyant, so can they keep it up and finish in the top four this season?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: Much depends on how they do between now and the end of the year, when they face Tottenham (A), Manchester City (H), Arsenal (H) and Manchester United (A). If they’re still firmly in the mix by then, they will be confident of lasting the pace.
Don’t forget they’ve got this far without nearly half of their 10 first-choice outfield players last season - Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings, Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey.
Arsenal have been linked with Douglas Luiz - should Villa fans be worried?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: This is an interesting one. Douglas Luiz has developed into one of the best midfielders in the league under Emery and Villa would want Declan Rice/Moises Caicedo money to sell him. Expect Arsenal to test the water in January though after having bids knocked back for him before.
Is there a buyback clause for Philogene and are there any conditions surrounding one if there were? What does Tim Iroegbunam and Rory Wilson's future look like at the club and are there any concerns with Duran?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: Yes, there is a buyback clause for Philogene, of about £10m. As for Iroegbunam, unless he breaks through in the second half of the season, you have to assume Villa would sell him, on the basis he represents 'pure profit' as his fellow academy products did.
Wilson is clearly a big talent but it's so difficult for youngsters to break through at top Premier League clubs these days, given the global market and resources available.
As for Duran, things haven't been the same since his activity on social media last month but Villa need to get him right as his potential is enormous. A sporting director working in Europe told me he believes the Colombian can become one of the best strikers in the world.
How are Villa doing in regards to Financial Fair Play? Will Emery be able to go out and spend in January and in the summer?
Villa are in a good spot with FFP, thanks to the astute work of former sporting director Johan Lange. Since 2020 they've sold academy products Jack Grealish, Carney Chukwuemeka, Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer and Aaron Ramsey - deals which count as pure profit for the accountants.
If they are still in the mix in January expect Emery to push for a couple of signings, though Villa should brace themselves for interest from Arsenal in Douglas Luiz.
Following Chris Heck's arrival in the summer, what sort of work can we expect from the club's new president of business operations?
TOM COLLOMOSSE: Heck must be grateful that results are so good on the pitch as he has had a slightly rocky start. Ticket prices have been a cause for concern among supporters, as is the Lower Grounds, which has replaced the free-to-use Holte Suite before and after games.
But the American is a hugely experienced commercial operator and expect his influence to start to show next summer, particularly if Villa manage to sneak into the Champions League.
To Villa first - What is going on with the North Stand redevelopment and the Warehouse? There were aims to have it open by the summer
TOM COLLOMOSSE: The improvements to Villa Park was a key project for former chief executive Christian Purslow but even though he has left, it remains high on the in tray. The priority now though is to push ahead with the £100m redevelopment of the North Stand, which would take the capacity to 50,000. The Warehouse, the home for the proposed 'Villa Live' shopping and events area, will be completed at a later date.
Afternoon and welcome!
We have Tom Collomosse in the hotseat now, answering all things Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Wolves. First question coming up shortly!
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