O'Leary edges closer to Robinson reunion

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary today spoke of his delight after his club agreed a fee, believed to be around £3m (€4.4m), for Leeds’ goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

The young England prospect – who rose to prominence when O’Leary was manager at Elland Road – is now discussing terms at Villa Park.

Coincidentally O’Leary was on a coaching course with his Leeds’ counterpart Peter Reid when news of the arrangement came through.

O’Leary told the Press Association: “From what I can gather – as I’ve been on a coaching course – the clubs have agreed a fee

“As far as I’m aware the figure is around £3m (€4.4m). That shows just how much the market has dropped off.

“Paul wants to join me – he knows how I work and we get on well together.

“What it says to Aston Villa fans is we’re trying to build a new team here and to put the club back where it belongs in the top six.

“It is going to be a long process – the League doesn’t lie. They (Villa) finished 16th last season and the club needs a good sort out. It’s a start of the process.

“I can only recommend things to the club. We need young players – not quick fixes – who are going to be Villa people for a long time.”

Robinson has three years left on his Elland Road contract but wants improved deal to stay.

Current Leeds chairman Professor John McKenzie felt that provided enough evidence that Robinson had become unsettled and now Leeds appear poised to cash in on the player.

Robinson, who joined Leeds as a trainee, ousted former England stopper Nigel Martyn in the side last season.

The 23-year-old’s impressive performances earned him his first full England cap against Australia in February and he also played in May’s friendly in South Africa.

But, with Leeds’ financial problems well documented, the club have been under continuing pressure to sell their top names.

Leeds United plc this afternoon issued a statement to the London Stock Exchange confirming they had accepted an offer from Villa.

The player is expected to talk terms with the Midlands club when he returns from holiday next week.