Carlos Cuellar could still leave Villa

Villa manager Alex McLeish today refused to rule out Carlos Cuellar leaving before the transfer window closes - despite Glasgow Rangers "going cold" on a move.

An agreement had been reached with Rangers over a fee for the 29-year-old defender, but Rangers chief Ally McCoist had concerns over how long Cuellar's recovery from an operation on his knee would take.

Rangers' exit from the Champions League at the qualifying stage has also deprived the club of revenue from the lucrative group stage of the competition and had a knock-on effect on McCoist's transfer budget .

Spaniard Cuellar, who left Ibrox for Villa for £7.8million in August 2008, is keen on a return to his former club but McCoist may switch his attention to a loan move for Liverpool centre-back Danny Wilson instead.

McLeish said: "Carlos is a very good experienced player. I think Rangers have gone cold on the idea so, as far as we are concerned, he is a Villa player.

"He is a solid defender and did a tremendous job for Rangers when he was up there in his first spell. He is a terrific defender and is very experienced cover.

"He is not far away from running, so he is maybe a week or two away from joining the group. Will he still be here in a fortnight? I can't predict that.

"We just have to get on with things and keep plugging away to get results."

McLeish also confirmed that goalkeeper Shay Given will be fit enough to face Blackburn at the weekend, despite picking up a minor groin problem against Fulham.