Calling Fact or Fiction on the Latest Aston Villa Transfer Rumours

With 15 days remaining in the summer transfer window, clubs around the world will be looking to make the final few additions to their squad in the hope that these acquisitions will give them that extra something to achieve their season's goal, whatever that may be.

And, of course, with the transfer window deadline just around the corner, clubs will be linked with a number of players as newspapers, websites and bloggers look to fill their pages with content—regardless of how true any of it may be.

With that in mind, we take a look at Aston Villa's latest transfer rumours, calling fact or fiction on each of them.

Gareth Barry to Aston Villa

According to reports in the press, Villa were lining up a loan move for former midfielder Gareth Barry, but, as Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News reports, Villa have turned down Manchester City's offer.

Barry joined City from Villa in 2009 and cemented his place in the heart of their midfield thanks to performances that warranted a £12 million move in the first place. However, talkSPORT reports that Barry will be out of favour with new manager Manuel Pellegrini and will be allowed to leave: 

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Barry is not in the plans of new manager Manuel Pellegrini and will not be offered an extension on his contract, which expires next summer.

And with Yaya Toure, Javi Garcia and summer signing Fernandinho all ahead of him in the club’s central midfield pecking order, the 32-year-old will be allowed to go this summer.

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FICTION: Paul Lambert has a distinct vision for his Villa side, and that is combining a mixture of talented youngsters with more experienced players who acquire the know-how to survive in England's top flight—as well as keeping the wage bill down.

And, while Gareth Barry clearly has Premier League experience, signing a 32-year-old who is sure to expect a weekly wage similar to what he was earning at City does not look very likely at all.

Lambert has already brought in midfield reinforcements this summer and, after their 3-1 opening day victory over Arsenal at the Emirates, he is unlikely to do any more business in that area.

Hiroshi Kiyotake to Aston Villa

Throughout the summer, Villa have been linked with Nurnburg midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake.

The Japanese international, who has featured 18 times for his country, signed for Nurnberg last summer following impressive performances in the Olympic Games and featured heavily in their Bundesliga campaign last term.

David Kent of the Daily Mail reported that Villa were interested in the midfielder but would have to find £10 million, despite the German side's general manager insisting that the player was not for sale.

 In an interview, Martin Bader said:

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I'm able to confirm this transfer enquiry from Aston Villa.

However, we've made it clear that we have no interest nor intention to sell the player. Such enquiries flatter us but Hiroshi is here to stay.

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FICTION: Although the Villa boss is a keen advocate of German football, having played there himself in his playing career, this transfer is definitely a no-go.

Following Martin O'Neill's spell at the club where Villa spent large sums of money, as the Daily Mail reported, chairman Randy Lerner is looking to rein in the cash flow slightly, with the Birmingham club spending relatively small amounts on transfers this summer, as Transfermarkt reveals.

Even more evidence that this move looks almost certain not to happen is Kiyotake has stated that he will be staying with Nurnberg for the upcoming season.

In an interview with SkySports, the 23-year-old said:

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I am a player well-honoured by transfer options but this [a move to Aston Villa] is definitely something I consider as done.

I am with Nurnberg and I am feeling fine about it. I am focused on Bundesliga action. At this moment in time I am not keen on Premiership football.

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