Remi Garde wants Gabby Agbonlahor to stay at Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Remi Garde wants Gabby Agbonlahor to stay at the club beyond Monday's transfer deadline.

The long-serving striker has been linked with a move this month, but is in contention to face Manchester City on Saturday.

He has suffered with calf and back problems since Garde arrived in November, yet could return to the squad for the FA Cup fourth-round clash at Villa Park.

Turkish side Kayserispor have been linked with Agbonlahor, but Garde wants him to stay.

"I think so," said the Frenchman, when asked if the forward would still be at the club next week.

"When I arrived Gabby was injured and was not in the training sessions for a long time. The time I spent discovering the team and players he was not here. He has trained for the last week and seems to be better.

"If he's in the right mood and okay physically he could give us a lift with goals.

"Every player who's not playing is frustrated apart from 11 playing the game. You're a professional player, you want to start."

Agbonlahor, 29, signed a four-year deal in 2014 and is Villa's longest-serving current player, having made 360 appearances for the club, but has played just one minute under Garde.

Philippe Senderos has been allowed to leave by mutual consent this month as Garde continues to rebuild his squad.

The Villa boss is still trying to sign new players but has struggled with the team bottom of the Premier League and 10 points from safety.

Garde said: "Everybody is working on players. As you know, for many reasons it's difficult for us to sign players. I am still hoping I can have more.

"I will be very happy on Monday to speak about new players."