by adamnbarrett » Tue Aug 30, 2005 11:33 am
Aston Villa look to have fended off late interest from Liverpool to secure Dutch star Wilfred Bouma.
The European champions are desperately looking for a new central defender and they turned their attention to PSV Eindhoven's Bouma, after reportedly failing with a loan bid for Roma's Philippe Mexes.
However, Liverpool have failed to land Bouma after Villa secured him in a deal worth more than £4 million, with the player expected to put pen to-paper at Villa Park on Tuesday.
Villa chairman Doug Ellis, currently on holiday in Italy where he is still recuperating from major heart surgery, masterminded the deal as he authorised Villa's second major signing in less than a week - after Milan Baros arrived from Liverpool.
"I don't know of any clubs spending £11 million in seven days," said Ellis - who is now looking for a place in Europe this season.
"When you add up all the extras we're investing £21 million in these two players.
"It's what the manager wanted and now he's got it.
"Villa have been in Europe for 10 of the past 20 years, but regrettably haven't been in Europe for some time now.
"It is time we are back where we belong."
--------------------------------------------------------
not likely at all now