Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill slams Defoe rumours

19 Jan 2008 - 10:34:07

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has angrily denied that his club have opened talks with Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Jermain Defoe.

The 25-year-old frontman has grown frustrated by a lack of first-team starts at White Hart Lane and was reported on Friday to be heading to Villa Park for talks over a possible transfer.

However, O'Neill told reporters: "It is simply untrue, absolutely and utterly untrue, it couldn't be any clearer than that.

"I think that sort of statement, if you're talking about a player at another football club where the two haven't talked to each other, is grossly unfair."

Meanwhile, Villa central defender Martin Laursen is delighted to have signed a new two-year contract with the club, who he thinks are going places.

He said: "I am glad the contract is all sorted out. This is what I wanted the most from the very beginning and it has caused me a few sleepless nights.

"I am pleased to have sorted out everything and am delighted to have committed myself to this club for another two and a half years.

"I am really happy to be a part of this squad and to remain at Aston Villa because I really think the future is bright."