Craig Gardner is set to quit Aston Villa this January transfer window as there are reports that Birmingham City are chasing the player. It is understood Villa have rejected their initial offer for the player.

O'Neill revealed: "Birmingham City have made a bid. They enquired about him and they made a bid and that bid, as it stands, hasn't been accepted.

"But I know Craig obviously wants to play. In an ideal world, I would love to keep him. I think he's as genuine as they come.

"There have been some players in my time here who have left and haven't made a most incredible contribution. But I would be sorry to see Craig go. I accept the fact, however, that if two clubs agree then he probably would go.

"There have been other enquiries but as we speak those clubs haven't made a bid.

"I would be sorry to see him go, if that's the case. But he wants to play now and I accept that."