Reported in the Telegraph that Ash has refused a move to Villa. The West Ham chairman also states that they never got the opportunity to talk with Ash - that he refused them `out of hand` - although they havn`t given up and are still trying to talk. The wider challenge here is with the transfer window half way through what is this diversion doing to Aidy`s plans? Not only is his valuable time being taken up with the `Ash transfer`, but he will not know how this might impact on his transfer budget - or whether he needs to look for a replacement for Ash.
I don't think Aidy's plans are affected much. In terms of viewing Al as a winger we have ample cover with Bouazza on the left and Smith on the right. Viewing him as a forward we have Hoskins and Moses and hopefully another though I am finding it hard to name who we could sign that would come. As for budget - well, to be honest, we have the cash we need without Ash-cash. The reason being that the 10 mio we'd get couldn't make players join even if the clubs agreed on fee - simply because we're not stupid enough to shell out extreme sums as compensation for our league position. And finally - with the price set at around 10 mio, I can't see much of Aidy's time being taken up by the potential transfer if Ash.
Shouldn't think Ash's situation affects Aidy's workload too much. Most of the negotiations etc will be handled by MA and GS I would think. Ash is either genuinely committed to us or quite shrewd.
If Ash is rejecting teams without meeting them, it would suggest that Aidy hasn't got a problem with the Ash deal. Aidy already had enough money available for up to 6 players, so if he can hang onto Ash that will be a bonus in the short-term. I don't think we will get a £9 million bid for him again though which is a shame. That type of money could have got us 2/3 very good, young championship players.
