Taylor prepared to make peace with Alpay

Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor is prepared to throw an olive branch to transfer-listed defender Alpay and hopes he can “make peace” with the Midlands club.

Alpay had been looking to quit Villa after returning from having an outstanding World Cup with Turkey and he was named in the FIFA team of the tournament.

The centre-back had accused Villa of lacking ambition and was unhappy at the treatment he received when out of action during the second half of last season with an ankle problem.

But now he has to remain at Villa Park until at least January 1 after the closure of the transfer window on Saturday.

Taylor would be more than happy for Alpay to put his differences behind him and concentrate on helping Villa climb away from the Premiership basement.

But he again stressed the importance of having players at the club who are fully committed to the cause.

Taylor told PA Sport: “Alpay went to the World Cup and a group of people (FIFA) named him in the top 16 players in the tournament.

“He probably thought the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and the big Italian clubs would come in and it would be a big opportunity for him that might not come his way again.

“But that hasn’t happened. I get on very well with Alpay and I can understand how he feels. I’ll be quite happy if Alpay and the club make peace.

“He’s emotional, there’s no doubt, but he’s a very nice chap and is a first class centre back.

“However it doesn’t matter how good you are, you have to want to play for the club and not want to leave it.”