O'Neill rejects Baros claims
25 Jan 2007 - 16:01:57
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- O'Neill rejects Baros claims
Martin O'Neill has rejected claims made by Milan Baros that a potential swap deal involving the former Aston Villa striker and Shaun Wright-Phillips collapsed because the Chelsea winger didn't want to move to Villa Park.
Baros made the claims after sealing a switch to Lyon earlier in the week which saw Norway international striker John Carew move in the opposite direction.
But although Villains boss O'Neill confirmed he was interested in Wright-Phillips, the former Celtic and Leicester City manager denied claims from Baros that the deal broke down over the England international's refusal to move to the Midlands.
"We made a bid for Shaun, but he saw his future at Chelsea - however, he did want to come on loan," said O'Neill.
"We would have sent Milan on loan, but the deal never materialised.
"If Chelsea wanted to take him on a permanent deal then we would have listened."
Meanwhile, O'Neill has warned Villa fans they might have to wait to see the best of Carew and fellow new signing Ashley Young.
"I'm very, very pleased Ashley has come. We talk about blinding potential and I think he has it. I've seen a lot of him and I'm backing my judgement that he will have a brilliant career," he continued.
"But not for one minute would I think he's going to change our fortunes overnight. He will take time to settle and so will John."