Transfer Talk
Who? - Gareth Barry - Speculation Where is he? - Aston Villa Who is he linked with? - The exit door
Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies says he would understand if Gareth Barry chooses to leave the club in the summer. The talented midfielder is being linked with a move to one of the Big Four in an attempt to advance his career and cement his place in Fabio Capello's England set-up. Said Davies: "I was captain of West Brom last season and chose to move on to progress my career. I obviously want him to stay. He's a terrific example on the pitch to all our players. But if Gareth decided he wanted to play in the Champions League next season, I wouldn't hold it against him. After what I've done, I'd be a hypocrite to say otherwise."
Who? - Hendry Thomas - Speculation Where is he? - Olimpia Who is he linked with? - Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce has revealed the club is close to completing the signing of a third Honduran player. Latics general manager John Benson is currently in Central America discussing the potential transfer of 23-year-old defensive midfielder Hendry Thomas with his club side Olimpia. Wigan already have Honduran international pair Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa at the JJB Stadium. Palacios joined on a permanent basis in a 1million deal in January, while Figueroa, who Bruce hopes to sign, is on loan at the JJB Stadium until the end of the campaign. Speaking to the Wigan Observer, he revealed: "John Benson is in Honduras at the moment trying to tie someone else up for us. We've got an iron in the fire. "We're also trying to do a permanent deal for Figueroa." Meanwhile, Luis Antonio Valencia is attracting interest from a host of leading English clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool, according to the player's agent. The Ecuador international midfielder would cost any potential buyer at least 5million.
