Villa keen on Laursen, not Larsson

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has refuted claims that the club are about to sign Henrik Larsson on loan. Instead he has emphasised the club's main objective in getting Martin Laursen to sign a new contract.

The centre-half added to his growing popularity with the Villa faithful with a goal in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Reading.

Laursen according to O'Neill is "pretty receptive" to commiting himself to the club.

"I cannot say anything for certain about anything until people actually sign a deal." said O'Neill.

"What is the chance of it happening? I couldn't say. We want to do it and we've been in contact."