Villa boss Alex McLeish has been told by the club’s board that he must generate funds through the sale of players before he can enter the transfer market again.

‘We’re not fickle, we just don’t like you’ was the banner that marked David O’Leary’s relationship with Villa fans – it could reappear at Alex McLeish’s first game in charge.

Randy Lerner’s right-hand man today hit back at supporters who have criticised Villa’s hierarchy over the club’s pursuit of Alex McLeish.

Randy Lerner’s right-hand man has claimed the search for Villa’s new manager is “not as simple as ordering a balti pie” and vowed not bow to the wishes of supporters.

Ashley Young was today set for crunch talks to finalise his Villa future – as Darren Bent admitted he would not blame his team-mate for joining Manchester United.

Villa will not rush to appoint a new manager as they cooled their interest in Mark Hughes who had been strongly linked with the vacancy after he quit Fulham.

Villa legend Ian Taylor today urged owner Randy Lerner to do everything he can to persuade Carlo Ancelotti to take the vacant manager’s position.

Villa owner Randy Lerner’s right-hand man has revealed a decision on whether Gerard Houllier will return as manager will be made imminently.

The race to sign Villa winger Ashley Young is hotting up after sources on Merseyside today confirmed that Liverpool are set to step up their pursuit of the player.

Villa owner Randy Lerner’s right-hand man has urged the club’s players to “kick the c**p” out of the opposition as they bid to avoid relegation under boss Gerard Houllier.