Villa's Robinson bid flounders

Aston Villa’s bid to sign Paul Robinson stalled tonight after the Leeds goalkeeper’s representatives announced talks with the midlands club “have broken down at a very early stage”.

Robinson launched an outspoken attack on new Leeds chairman Professor John McKenzie after the Yorkshire club accepted a bid of around £3million for the 23-year-old.

McKenzie had claimed the fee was only agreed after it became clear Robinson had set his heart on quitting Leeds but the player responded by saying: “He (McKenzie) is just trying to make himself look popular at my expense.”

And tonight, a statement from the SEM Group, who represent Robinson, said: “Talks between Aston Villa Football Club and SEM on behalf of Paul Robinson, which officially began today with the permission of Leeds United AFC, have broken down at a very early stage.”

In the statement, Robinson, who is currently out of the country on holiday, said: “I am looking forward to returning to pre-season training at Leeds United.”