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O'Neill: No Carson deal yet

04 Dec 2007 - 09:53:03

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Martin O'Neill claims on-loan goalkeeper Scott Carson is no closer to joining Aston Villa on a permanent basis despite suggestions from Liverpool that he could be sold.

The England keeper joined Villa on a season-long loan from the Reds during the summer.

Last week Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hinted he was willing to let Carson join the Midlands club permanently, but Villa boss O'Neill has rejected reports that a deal has already been struck between the two clubs.

"Is the Scott Carson deal going through? He is here for the season and we have heard nothing from Liverpool at all," said O'Neill.

"Of course, that doesn't mean that you couldn't start talking about something beforehand and I'm aware Rafael Benitez mentioned something about it a week or so ago.

"But Liverpool haven't spoken to us and haven't spoken since Scott was capped for England."

However, O'Neill has admitted he would be interested in signing the 22-year-old former Leeds keeper should Liverpool wish to do business.

He added: "I will look at the situation and Liverpool will be very much in the driving seat because they can dictate what the player is going to cost.

"But there is no agreement on a fee. It is as simple as that. The rest of it is hearsay."