Aston Villa keep busy by bidding for Lewis
It's been a frustrating start to the year for Aston Villa, as the Premier League strugglers are expected to miss out on targets like French Under-19 captain Gueida Fofana and Wayne Bridge, while they are believed to have had two bids rejected for Blackpool's Charlie Adam.
Their demoralising early efforts haven't harmed their enthusiasm though as it has now emerged that they are the top-flight team whose interest in former England Under-21 goalkeeper Joe Lewis prompted the Peterborough shot-stopper to submit a transfer request.
Posh, who reappointed Darren Ferguson as manager on Wednesday morning, have confirmed rejecting an offer for the 23-year-old, a surprise member of the senior England squad that faced USA and Trinidad and Tobago in 2008, from Gerard Houllier's side.
The League One promotion chasers' director of football Barry Fry said: "The bid from Villa was an insult. They offered less than what we paid for him. Are they crazy? The boy has been away with England, he's played for the Under-21s and has played 150 games for us.
"If they come back with a sensible offer, we will let him go. If not he will stay here. Since then I've had two more bids from Premier League clubs which we have rejected. I've no problem with Joe, he has asked for a transfer which I understand but we need to see some sensible money."
Given the widespread belief that John Carew will be leaving Villa Park by the end of the month, with West Brom keen to sign the Norwegian striker, the midlands club may also be tempted by Millwall goal-getter Steve Morison's statement expressing his desire to play in the Premier League.
The Wales international, who is thought to be on Fulham's radar, said: "I've made the step up to the Championship this season and obviously moving to the Premier League would be the last rung on the ladder, so if it happens then I will be ready for it."
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Published: 12 Jan 2011
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