Villa boss Martin O’Neill is awaiting answers on ‘three or four options’ ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline – but his interest in Manchester City’s Daniel Sturridge has cooled.

O’Neill is believed to be focusing his efforts on bringing in defensive reinforcements to cover for sidelined skipper Martin Laursen and, with his squad currently at full stretch, he has all but ruled out Nicky Shorey departing in this window.

City’s teenage sensation Sturridge was interesting the Villa boss, but the Express & Star understands O’Neill has decided against making a move for the young striker, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Furthermore, the prospect of Birmingham-born Sturridge returning to his roots in the summer now appears unlikely. His team-mates at Eastlands Micah Richards and Michael Johnson, West Ham’s Matthew Upson and Championship pair Kyle Naughton and Danny Fox are among those to have been linked.

O’Neill said: “I couldn’t say we are on the brink of signing someone, we have looked at three or four options and there may be answers back.

“It would be great to get one or two extra people in. Looking at Martin Laursen’s situation I wouldn’t mind getting a wee bit more defensive cover.

“Nicky would like to play more often but I really can’t let people go at this moment.”