Aston Villa Football Club News

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

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Villa turn Gardner bid down

18 Jan 2010 - 09:58:11

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Manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Aston Villa have rejected a bid from neighbours Birmingham City for midfielder Craig Gardner.

The 23-year-old England Under-21 international is also a reported target for Wolves, having become frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities at Villa Park.

O'Neill told his club's official website: "Birmingham City have made a bid. They enquired about him and they made a bid and that bid, as it stands, hasn't been accepted.

"But I know Craig obviously wants to play. In an ideal world I would love to keep him. I think he's as genuine as they come.

"There have been some players in my time here who have left and haven't made a most incredible contribution. But I would be sorry to see Craig go.

"I accept the fact, however, that if two clubs agree, then he probably would go.

"There have been other enquiries, but as we speak those clubs haven't made a bid.

"I would be sorry to see him go, if that's the case. But he wants to play now and I accept that."