Villa: No Newcastle approach for O'Leary

Aston Villa have dismissed reports they are discussing the future of manager David O’Leary with Newcastle.

With a succession of candidates ruling themselves out of the running to replace Bobby Robson, the former Leeds boss has been named as favourite to take the job.

Villa chairman Doug Ellis was said to want a minimum £2m (€2.9m) in compensation, but the club deny even receiving an approach from Newcastle.

Villa chief executive Bruce Langham told www.avfc.co.uk: “We haven’t had any approach, but one from Newcastle would not be welcomed and would be rejected. That was the situation on Friday and that is the situation today.”