Training facilities will save on transfers, says O'Leary

David O’Leary believes upgrading Aston Villa’s training ground could eventually save the club millions in the transfer market.

Villa are planning to start much-needed work on redeveloping the current facilities at their Bodymoor Heath complex at the end of the season.

Manager O’Leary will again only have limited funds available to bolster one of the smallest squads in the top flight – and sees improved facilities as vital to bringing through young talent.

O’Leary told PA Sport: “I want to build a squad of players here. We have to do it in a certain way. I can’t go out and buy two kids from Nottingham Forest like Tottenham have done with Andy Reid and Michael Dawson.

“If we are going to go down the route of not having the money, that’s fine. I will take the challenge on of developing kids. I want to start the process of trying to build a new training ground.

“It might not benefit me but at least they can say ’O’Leary started the process’. If we are going to go down the road of developing kids, it will be important to bring them to a wonderful training environment.”

“This club has a wonderful stadium. Now what we’ve got to have put into place is a wonderful training ground.

O’Leary also wants to develop players that will enable Villa to move forward and have a big impact at first-team level.

He said: “Let’s develop kids that are going to be quality players. The kids like (Cesc) Fabregas coming in at Arsenal will take you forward.”