David O'Leary insists he will not sacrifice Steven Davis to fund his rebuilding plans.
David O'Leary insists he will not sacrifice Steven Davis to fund his rebuilding plans at Aston Villa.
Following a desperate season in The Premiership, O'Leary is determined to add to his squad during the summer months.
But the Villa boss has been warned that he must raise the cash to sign his intended targets by offloading current members of his squad.
That has sparked suggestions that O'Leary may be forced into cashing in on Davis, who has been one of the few bright sparks at Villa Park this season.
O'Leary, though, played down rumours that the Northern Ireland international could be on his way after confirming he will give short shrift to any enquiries for the midfielder.
"There is no way Davis would be a player we want to sell," affirmed O'Leary.
"There are loads you wouldn't want to do that with and within that bunch you might have to bite the bullet and let one go to raise money. But he is not one of those.
"For that to happen it would have to be one taken out of my hands, an absolutely obscene offer money-wise.
"Steven has been the most consistent player this season and he would win my vote for player of the year.
"But I don't buy into him being linked with other clubs."
With Villa to finish in the bottom five of the table, O'Leary has vowed to lead the club back into the top half of The Premiership next season.
He added: "I have been in this game a long time and my standards are very high. I don't like where we are. It leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
"I will be looking to bring in players who share my ambitions in having Aston Villa where we were in my first two seasons here, in the top half of The Premiership."
