O'Neill denies Defoe deal

Villa boss plays down talk of bid for England ace

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 18th January 2008

Jermain Defoe Tottenham England

Defoe: No bid

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Martin O'Neill has dismissed claims that he is on the brink of signing Tottenham's Jermain Defoe.

Reports claimed that Defoe has even been in Birmingham to look around Villa's training ground and discuss personal terms

However, O'Neill has denied having any contact with Defoe or Tottenham.

"It is simply untrue, absolutely and utterly untrue - it couldn't be any fairer than that," O'Neill told Sky Sports News.

"I think that sort of statement, if you're talking about a player at a football club - where the two haven't talked to each other, is grossly unfair."

O'Neill did not deny an interest in Defoe and sources insist that a bid from Villa is imminent - although Newcastle's new boss Kevin Keegan is reported to be a big fan and could himself try to land the England striker.

Bouma deal

Meanwhile, just 24 hours after signing Martin Laursen to a new contract - O'Neill could be set to follow that up by offering fresh terms to full-back Wilfred Bouma.

The Dutch international was linked with a return to Holland with PSV Eindhoven said to be keen - but O'Neill says there is little doubt that Bouma would be staying put.

"We have an option for another year and I will speak to Wilfred about that. There are no worries with that one," said O'Neill.