Alves rejects Villa interest
Villa finished 11th in the Premiership last season
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Sunday, 17, Jun 2007 03:08
Portugal star Bruno Alves has snubbed a move to Aston Villa.
The FC Porto defender has been tracked by Villa after an impressive season which has seen him make his debut for the national team.
Alves, 25, and defensive team-mate Jose Bonsigwa have attracted interest from a host of Premiership clubs.
But Christophe Mongai, Alves' agent, said his client wants to play at a club competing in the Champions League.
"He has three years left on his contract, I think he will be staying at Porto," Mongai said.
"Villa have been watching Bruno but they haven't spoken to me nor, as far as I know, to the club."
Porto president Pinta da Costa said this week the club do not need to cash in on another star player after Manchester United snapped up Anderson for £17 million.
Alves made his international debut in a 1-1 draw with Kuwait in a friendly earlier this month.
O'Neill's defensive options include veterans Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen who have both suffered injury problems in recent seasons.
The Ulsterman is looking to provide back-up for rising stars Gary Cahill and Liam Ridgewell.
O'Neill is also looking to land Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen as current number one, Thomas Sorensen, is unlikely to be offered an extension to his contract which expires next summer.