Middlesbrough's manager, Steve McLaren, spoke with confidence, proclaiming, "Villa is a very good striker, and he certainly has the talent to succeed in the Premier League. We are in talks with Notts County, and during the winter break, he will definitely wear a Middlesbrough jersey and help the team compete in the Premier League." His words sounded like a done deal, as if the transfer was all but finalized.
However, the reporters were not so easily swayed.
"Villa just transferred from Spain this season, and he's only been at Notts County for half a season. Can Knotts really let him go?" one of them asked in disbelief.
McLaren, without hesitation, replied, "If Notts County were a Premier League team, maybe Villa would stay. But don't forget, Notts County is a League Two club. I believe Villa will make the right decision. And for Notts County, they won't be able to refuse our offer."
This confident statement about Villa's future only fueled the fire, and news about Middlesbrough's attempt to sign Villa quickly spread across the papers.
For Middlesbrough fans, the idea of acquiring Villa was both a chance for redemption and a source of excitement. After all, it was Villa who had famously destroyed their team with a hat-trick, humiliating them in the League Cup. The thought of bringing him to their side was a way of turning the tables, and many fans believed Villa would jump at the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
But for Notts County fans, the news stirred worry. Villa had become their hero, and the idea of losing him to a Premier League side, even one like Middlesbrough, was troubling. They knew that their club was on the rise, but Middlesbrough's offer was undeniably attractive.
Outside Notts County's training ground, fans rallied together, chanting Villa's name in hopes of convincing him to stay. Meanwhile, the media camped out, eager for any word from Villa about the potential transfer. The young striker found himself surrounded by reporters day after day, constantly bombarded with questions about his future.
Despite the constant pressure, Villa remained unfazed. He knew that his stellar performance had garnered attention, but he also found it odd that no club, including Middlesbrough, had made a formal move beyond media speculation. Villa found it amusing that a few kind words from McLaren in the press were being treated as a guarantee of a transfer.
Eventually, the incessant questioning wore on Villa, and he sought refuge in David's office, hoping to find some peace.
"Sir, these reporters are unbearable. I feel like they're worse than flies," Villa said, his frustration evident. "Has the club received an offer from Middlesbrough?"
David, a little worn by the attention the saga was attracting, nodded. "Yes, they've made an offer. But I've thrown it straight in the trash."
Villa was taken aback, clearly surprised by the decisiveness of David's response. He knew that David had been instrumental in bringing him to the club and would not sell him easily, but the offer from a Premier League side was tempting.
"If you don't plan to sell me, I'll just refuse it. I don't want to keep dealing with these reporters every day!" Villa said, his tone a mix of relief and annoyance.
David smiled, appreciating Villa's loyalty. "You're not going anywhere, not as long as you don't want to leave. Notts County isn't selling you to Middlesbrough or anyone else. We've got big plans for this club, and you're a key part of it."
Villa grinned, clearly relieved. "Well, at least for now, I don't want to leave. I've only been here half a season, and I feel like this is a special place. Plus, who would want to join a team that just got thrashed by Notts County? I believe this club will make it to the Premier League one day, and I want to be part of that journey. If I leave, it will be to go back to Spain, but not to any English club."
David was pleased to hear Villa's words. Although Notts County was still far from the Premier League, with players like Villa, anything seemed possible. "I promise you, as long as you don't leave on your own, Notts County will never sell you. We're building something special here."
With that, the conversation came to a close. Villa left David's office with a renewed sense of purpose, and David couldn't help but feel proud of the young striker's commitment.
As Villa stepped out of the training ground, he was once again surrounded by reporters. The cameras and microphones were thrust in his face, but this time, Villa was prepared.
"Is it true that you've agreed to join Middlesbrough?" a reporter asked.
"McLaren said he wants to make you the next Boxic. What do you think about that?" another pressed.
"Rumors say Middlesbrough offered you an irresistible salary. Can you comment on that?"
Villa pushed through the crowd of reporters with a calm but firm demeanor, stopping only to make a clear statement.
"I want to make it crystal clear that I am a player for Notts County. I have a contract here, and I'm happy at this club. I'm not interested in going to Middlesbrough. The club won't sell me, and I won't leave. It's that simple."
With those words, Villa turned and walked away, leaving behind a group of stunned reporters. The nearby fans, hearing Villa's declaration of loyalty, erupted in cheers. While some might have considered it a formality, to them, Villa's words felt like a promise—a promise that he was here to stay.
The saga wasn't over, but Villa's loyalty had been made clear. As for Notts County, they had another reason to believe that their dreams of the Premier League weren't as far off as they seemed.