Villa's stance on Thomas Hitzlsperger

Villa manager Alex McLeish today refused to rule out a move for the club's former midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger before the transfer window closes.

The 29-year-old Germany international is without a club since leaving West Ham after they were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season.

Hitzlsperger, who was a popular figure during his first spell withVilla from 2000 to 2005, has been linked with a move to Wolves and McLeish reiterated he would have to sell before he could make a move.

He said: "Thomas' name has been mentioned against a number of other players. Midfield, in terms of experience, is maybe an area where we are a little bit lacking. But we won't be bringing players in until we trade.

"We still have a very heavy wage bill."

McLeish is also optimistic that Carlos Cuellar's protracted move to Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers will go through before the deadline.

A fee between the clubs has been agreed, but Rangers are still negotiating over wages with the defender and wish to assess his fitness after his knee operation.