The Villains Need To Find Some Steals.

Aston Villa's new manager Alex Mcleish completes his first signing of the summer after securing Manchester City keeper Shay Given. A fantastic keeper who lost his spot to rising star Joe Hart after an injury kept him out of the squad for an extended period of time. The Irish International No.1, before his injury looked one of the best in the Premier League, but a along spell on the bench has made it apparent that he would move at some point. Given is the  first player to join Villa this sumer as they have been more of a selling club, than a buying one. The losses of Ashley Young to Manchester United and Stewart Downing  to Liverpool, create some difficulties for Mcleish, forcing him to secure some attacking players able to fill the void. Villa have been linked with former player James Milner, who left the club in 2010, joining Man City for 20 million pounds. A move back to Villa might inspire him in recapturing form, form that has been non-existent at City. He was tremendous at Villa, and he is a player Villa could use. He is handy in the middle, can play wide, and works all day. Wonder if it would be a welcomed return at Villa Park, if he where to make the move? Villa have also been linked with troubled Liverpool player Joe Cole. Since his move from Chelsea to Liverpool, Cole has struggled to make an impact with the chance he has been given. He was sent off in his debut game against Arsenal, and never seemed to come back to form. Cole, like Milner can be use in the center channel, or out wide, but in the case of Cole...I am not sure if he still has the confidence or the hunger to compete at a top level. Villa could probably get him for cheap, and if that's the case I would say, "go for him." Villa have a notoriously small squad which has hurt them in years past when it comes to the end of the season, so adding numbers is needed. In addition to numbers, they need players to fill the gaps left by the recent big-name departures. If  I where Mcleish I would spring for Man City winger Adam Johnson. Last year Johnson, even though playing well, didn't really get much playing time at City. Manager Mancini couldn't seem to fit him into the team, often bringing him on as an impact sub. If he stays at City, I could see a Ryan Babel situation happening. Villa should use the money from Young and Downing to go out and get Johnson from city and make him a top priority. He's a dynamo on the wing, who is direct, taking players on cutting in or swinging-in crosses. Villa still have the spin of a good team with Given in goal, Jean Makoun in Midfield, and Darren Bent up top. The most disappointing event this summer for me is the fact that Michael Bradley will not be given a chance next year for the villains. Mcleish has rendered his services as un-needed, and now his future is un-clear. They could have used the USA international's composure and steel in the middle of park, as captain Stylian Petrov is getting on in years. The casting out of Bradley will be a regret by Mcleish when all is said and done,  and you can bet your bottom dollar on that.  A little quality is needed to ensure they will be fighting for a Europa League spot next season, and spending his money right this summer is key.