SOUTHGATE SLAMS "OUT OF HAND WAGES"

The England international defender, who is looking to leave Villa in the summer, has urged clubs not to sign money-motivated players and not give into their demands.

The former Crystal Palace ace feels that a pay package linked to success would be a better approach by all clubs to stop wages spiraling out of control.

"Years ago football clubs across the board should have said 'we're going to pay a smaller basic wage' and reward success with bonuses - just like any other business is run," said Southgate.

"There is no doubt that wages have got out of hand in football. We benefit from that as players - but it has got to the stage where someone has got to take a stand and say 'we've got to haul it back into line'.

"In my opinion football should have gone that way 10 years ago. Wages in an ideal world should be based on appearances for the first-team and more importantly bonuses for winning matches and trophies.

"But as things stand you see some players earning big money who don't even play in the first-team.

"Personally, I don't necessarily think that paying the best wages means you are guaranteed success. You've got to have players who are hungry to play.

"I've played with players at England level who are financially secure - but the hunger and desire to win things is enormous.

"Certainly for me it's about winning things and the glory of winning things and being successful. I don't thing you want to sign money-motivated players.

"You want to sign players who want to come and give everything for a club.

"But, unfortunately, at the moment there is a Catch-22 situation where you can't attract players from other clubs unless you are prepared to pay big money."

Meanwhile, Villa boss John Gregory has revealed he has not decided who will replace Southgate as the side's skipper for next season.

Paul Merson is favourite to take the job having took over from Southgate for the last game of the season at Newcastle after the defender resigned as captain.

Gregory will wait until making a few summer signings before he decides on his new captain, but he did hint that Merson was favourite for the role.

"Next season is a long way off and we will have to wait and see," said Gregory. "There are two or three others in with a shout and it depends who we bring in during the summer.

"Paul played like a captain for most of the season anyway and he has led by example."