Gerard Houllier wants Joey Barton to save Aston Villa - the Insider

11 January 2011 23:03
Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this January. [LNB]His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why. [LNB]A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.[LNB]Don't miss your daily Insider instalment here.[LNB] JOEY BARTON Newcastle to Aston VillaTHE INSIDER says: 3/5[LNB]LUIS SUAREZ Ajax to TottenhamTHE INSIDER says: 3/5[LNB] Talk of the Toon: Barton has been in fine form[LNB]London calling: Suarez would welcome a move[LNB] [LNB] Gerard Houllier has identified the combative midfielder as a player that can help drag his team up the table. [LNB]Any manager who pursues the 28-year-old has to deal with the backlash of supporters and club officials who worry about the baggage Barton brings on and off the pitch. [LNB]However, Villa's owner Randy Lerner has had to deal with controversial characters in his time as owner of of NFL side Cleveland Browns and is up for the challenge of bringing feisty personalities into his club. [LNB]Houllier wanted Barton during his time at Liverpool and is focused mainly on the fact he has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this season. [LNB]There will be obvious hurdles to overcome, including Newcastle's desire to keep him, but the deal could yet be done.[LNB]Tottenham want a striker and Luis Suarez features high on their list - but he is not everyone's first choice. [LNB]Tentative negotiations are understood to have taken place and Suarez, who is looked after by Pep Guardiola's brother, is keen on the move. [LNB]Ajax expect a bid this window and want around £17m while the player is hopeful of wages to put him into the top bracket at White Hart Lane. [LNB]He has undoubted talent, as he showed in the World Cup with Uruguay, and has a great goalscoring record in Holland and at international level, however, he has similarities to Jermain Defoe and Rafael van der Vaart and there are reservations that the team needs a different dynamic. [LNB]Liverpool remain keen and may be a more likely destination as Kenny Dalglish looks to strengthen attacking options.[LNB]  DARE NIBOMBE FC Baku to PrestonTHE INSIDER says: 2/5[LNB]MAURO BOSELLIWigan to GenoaTHE INSIDER says: 3/5[LNB] [LNB] Options: Nibombe (left) is training with Preston[LNB]Frustrating: Boselli has failed to make his mark[LNB] [LNB] The 6ft 5ins defender is training with Preston as he looks to secure a switch to England. [LNB]The Togo international is a leader and has captained his country on several occasions on the way to collecting over 60 caps. [LNB]Was keen to come to the north west and link up with his friend Emmanuel Adebayor of Man City and Preston spied a quick opportunity to see if he could strengthen their leaky defence. [LNB]Nibombe has played across Europe, notably in Belgium and Romania, and has figured in the Champions League and Europa League. [LNB]He may yet attract attention from other clubs but will spend a few days with Preston to see if he can firstly impress new manager Phil Brown.[LNB] The Argentine striker has failed to settle in England and consequently has struggled.[LNB]He came with big expectations after Wigan shelled out £6.5m but he has scored once - in the League Cup against Swansea City.[LNB]The 25-year-old has been offered around Europe on potential loan deals and he looks likely to head to Italy if Roberto Martinez gives it the go-ahead. [LNB]Martinez has expressed a desire to keep on working with Boselli as he tries to rebuild his confidence.[LNB] But Wigan's battle against relegation means he can afford few passengers and a temporary move may be best.[LNB] Don't miss your daily installment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline. Aston Villa offer Reo-Coker in fresh bid to land Newcastle midfielder BartonRedknapp vows to push for Beckham deal as star trains with Spurs squadWigan to allow £6.5m flop Boselli to leave club in January on loan[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Simon Jones, Kenny Dalglish, Gerard Houllier, Joey Barton, Emmanuel Adebayor, Jermain Defoe, Phil Brown, Roberto Martinez Places: Liverpool, Newcastle, Italy, Romania, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, Europe Organisations: National Football League

Source: Daily_Mail