Vassell set to move on

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Manchester City manager, is waiting
to hear whether Darius Vassell has decided to join Derby County.
Vassell is
yet to even win a place on the bench during City's 100 per cent start to the
season, and Billy Davies, the Derby manager, has inquired about the 27-year-old.
The former England striker has held discussions with the Midlands club after
being made surplus to requirements at City following Eriksson's massive summer
recruitment drive.
"It is a fact Derby are interested in Darius - but I have
not heard any results," Eriksson said. "I should find out more soon."

-The Times.

I think if the story is this far advanced then it would likely be that Vassell will move on, and the only spanner would be if another side threw their hat into the ring.

It is fairly clear that despite the England connection - and don't forget Vassell was a regular in Eriksson's England squads, that Vassell will not get a look in now at the club and will have to move on if he wants to get regular football.

It is fair to say that apart from brief flashes, Vassell's City career will be looked upon as a disappointing one as all the frustrations that Villa fans saw were evidenced at Eastlands. It did look promising during the early stages following his arrival and he built up an impressive partnership with Andrew Cole but once Cole went down injured (and subsequently departed) so Vassell's fortunes went.

Very much a confidence player, for all of last season he looked hesitant and unsure of himself - although playing on the left wouldn't have helped, and as the new broom has swept in he finds himself cast aside - and he could well be the first of a number to head to the exit door over the next week.