Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish today issued a ‘hands off’ warning over the club’s fringe players and warned it would be “dangerous” if they were sold.

Luke Young today dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Aston Villa.

Luke Young has revealed Villa manager Alex McLeish has told the club’s defenders to go back to basics as they bid improve on last season’s defensive woes.

Luke Young has admitted Villa face a battle to keep Stewart Downing’s after the winger collected three awards at the club’s annual awards night.

Gary McAllister has revealed that Villa’s management may consider a break with tradition over the festive period by rotating a few of their players.

Villa have been dealt a blow after Luke Young was ruled out of the next three games with a torn hamstring.

Villa right-back Luke Young has backed team-mate Carlos Cuellar to bounce back from the disappointment of losing his place.

Luke Young has admitted he is relieved to have snubbed Liverpool to stay at Villa by declaring – ‘I didn’t want to be sat on the sidelines.’

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald has opened the door to the first team for Villa’s up-for-sale stars by vowing – ‘the slate has been wiped clean.’

Fulham were today poised to capitalise on the collapse of Villa defender Luke Young’s proposed move to Liverpool.