VILLA REJECT SOUTHGATE REQUEST
The former Crystal Palace man had faxed his club to tell them he wanted to pursue ambitions away from Villa Park, but the response has been swift from the club, with chairman Doug Ellis believed to be extremely reluctant to sanction an exodus of some of his bigger stars.
"Gareth Southgate is contracted to Aston Villa Football Club for a further period of three years and remains an Aston Villa player for this period," said an official club statement released on Thursday afternoon.
"Gareth and the manager are out of the country at present, and the manager will be discussing the matter with Gareth at the earliest opportunity."
Ugo Ehiogu and Julian Joachim have also expressed their desire to quit the Midlands club, and Villa lost Dwight Yorke and Mark Bosnich to Manchester United in consecutive seasons. Influential midfielder Paul Merson`s future is also unclear.
Gregory will be desperate to strengthen rather than weaken his resources after going close to FA Cup glory last term.
