No price on Postma, says O'Leary

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has refuted number two goalkeeper Stefan Postma’s claims that he has been priced out of a move away from the club.

Postma asked for a transfer in October because of his desire to play regular first-team football which has been denied him at Villa by the form of Thomas Sorensen.

But he claimed that Villa were asking £1million – the price they paid De Graafschap for his services in 2002 – which was putting off any interested parties.

O’Leary is adamant that no definite figure has been placed on Postma’s head and that no offers had been received for his services.

O’Leary told PA Sport: “Stefan came in and asked us for a move but we haven’t put any figure on him. We accepted he wanted to go and understand the position he is in as number two goalkeeper.

“But we haven’t had one bid in on him to consider. The club a few years back paid £1million for him but there’s been no price put on his head.

“I didn’t start this off. I think he is a good number two keeper for me. He is the one who after the Arsenal game said that he wanted to leave.

“I’m a great believer in that you don’t keep people who aren’t happy but it’s not for me to go looking out for the bids. I’ve never wanted to lose him.”

O’Leary is optimistic that Thomas Hitzlsperger, who is out of contract in the summer, will remain with Villa.

He said: “I think Thomas’ people are discussing things with the club. I know Thomas himself wants to stay without a doubt.”