TF90M wonders with Man City spending and Spurs set to join the ride, whether this is a defining summer for Aston Villa, to consolidate their place as a top six side.
Whether it is Stewart Downing, Kenwyne Jones, Maxi Rodriguez, David Beckham or half the Real Madrid team, Tottenham Hotspur are a frequent fixture amidst the tabloid transfer gossip columns with numerous players rumoured to be signing for the North London side this summer. Additional to this, with Manchester City constantly linked to making stratospheric bids for such stars as Carlos Tevez and Samuel Eto'o, will it be fellow Champions League qualification chasers Aston Villa who are left out of the purchasing party.
Spurs are expected to have a summer clear out with squad players David Bentley, Darren Bent, Didier Zokora and Tom Huddlestone just a few of those who are reported to be on their way out of N17. Further to the funds generated from these sales, it is presumed club chairman Daniel Levy will support recently appointed manager Harry Redknapp in which will be his first real chance to make the squad his own. As seen in the last few seasons Tottenham can quite easily, and quickly, rack up a large transfer bill, whether or not it is their former players they decide to buy back again. If Redknapp uses his nouse in the market, and for a change he is not restricted to getting the best out of older players, then the incoming players could really spur the team on to fighting again for the so desired top four finish.
Similarly with Man City's new title as the world's richest club, Mark Hughes is likely to be given a black cheque to attract global superstars to the club, following Florentino Pérez's Madrid example. Whether or not they will be able to compete with the Madrids and Uniteds really remains to be seen, but if they can pull off further coups such as the signing of Robinho, they could create a team to pose a serious challenge to the top Premiership teams.
It therefore serves as a worry for Aston Villa, who have already lost influential figure Gareth Barry to Man City, that money could cause their competitors to overtake them in league standings. Without a doubt Villa looked impressive for at least the first half of the 08/09 campaign, but the next step is key for Martin O'Neill and the club. It seems unlikely they will be able to attract the kind of player City, and perhaps, Spurs are looking to sign, yet the main issue for Villa is keeping their main players.
Rumours have suggested Ashley Young could be on his way to White Hart Lane or Eastlands. Is this just more tabloid fodder or is this a sign that Villa may be forced out of the top six by big spending Spurs and City?
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