Source: Daily_Mail
Gerard Houllier begins cull of Aston Villa stars with Steve Sidwell bound for West Ham
Gerard Houllier is pressing ahead with a rapid and ruthless revolution at Aston Villa after demonstrating to some of the club's big names he is willing to live without them. [LNB]First out of the Villa door is likely to be Steve Sidwell who is in advanced talks to join West Ham while established stars like Richard Dunne and Brad Friedel face uncertain futures. [LNB]The Villa manager has risked splitting his first-team by alienating several of the established players, performing U-turns on promised contract offers and by off-loading several high-earners as he ushers in a new period of austerity. [LNB] On the move: Sidwell will be one of the first to leave Villa Park as Houllier looks to cut costs[LNB]The Frenchman is prepared to rip the heart out of Martin O'Neill's successful side and put the emphasis on youth as he attempts to restore financial sobriety to the club as demanded by owner Randy Lerner. [LNB]Scotland international Barry Bannan, midfielder Jonathan Hogg, defenders Eric Lichaj and Ciaran Clark and England international Gabby Agbonlahor have all agreed new deals since Houllier arrived. [LNB]The manager signalled his intentions for the future ahead of last weekend's postponed fixture at Wigan Athletic. It was little surprise that Stephen Ireland and John Carew were left in the Midlands after their recent disappearances from the first team. [LNB]However, Dunne also failed to make the final 18 and was left at home when the team bus departed. [LNB]Enlarge It may have not been coincidence that the Ireland international chose to make his exit in very public fashion as the media arrived for the pre-match press conference. [LNB]Dunne does seem to have been singled out, although he has not performed to the same level this season as he did under O'Neill. [LNB]Houllier has confirmed he asked the players to conduct their own inquest into a run of form that saw them lose four matches on the trot. [LNB]As club captain in Stiliyan Petrov's absence, Dunne was asked to report the findings back. According to sources close to the centre back, when several players asked him to highlight other issues, he was cold-shouldered by Houllier, precipitating a furious response by the defender who has subsequently been omitted from Villa's side. [LNB]With Dunne, Ireland and Carew set for an extended spell on the sidelines - and Villa will certainly listen to offers for them - Houllier has kicked off his cull of other big earners by off-loading Sidwell. [LNB]The former Arsenal trainee has failed to settle in the Midlands and has been angling for a move back to London. With just six months left on his contract, Houllier has decided to cut the club's losses. [LNB]It is a similar story with several others. Habib Beye is taking home more than £2.1million per year and Nigel Reo-Coker, another who is out of contract at the end of the season, has found little interest so far in his £50,000-a week demands being met. [LNB]Both would be free to leave in January for the right price. As would Curtis Davies, who was brought in for £9m by O'Neill but has been shipped out to Leicester City on loan for the past two months. Wolves, Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers have all enquired about the former England Under 21 international. [LNB]Davies's agent, Phil Sproson said: 'Villa have made it clear Curtis is available. There's an understanding in terms of the price they would ask for him, which is very competitive given his quality and experience. We're considering a couple of options, including an offer from abroad.' [LNB] Cheerio: Villa boss Gerrard Houllier intends to wave gooddbye to a host of players in January[LNB]Most interesting, however, is the manner in which Houllier has dealt with goalkeeper Friedel. Shortly after arriving at Villa Park, he confirmed he would be looking to offer the 39-year-old a further year's stay. [LNB]But Friedel is now resigned to leaving in the summer and his representatives are trying to drum up interest. Houllier's No 2, Gary McAllister, scouted Rangers' Allan McGregor during the Champions League tie against Manchester United and Villa's new scout, Jeff Vetere, also travelled to Germany at the weekend to watch Borussia Dortmund's Roman Weidenfeller. [LNB]Stephen Warnock's future is also uncertain. Houllier has indicated he wants players to live close to the club but the former Liverpool defender retains a base in the North West. [LNB] Basement boys West Ham in advanced talks to sign Villa midfielder SidwellPiquionne insists he has held no talks over January Villa move... for nowBarton will cost £1.5m up front, Toon tell Hammers as midfielder interest hots upASTON VILLA FC
