O'Neill could delay spending

Last updated : 24 October 2006 By Dave O'Hedgehog

The Villa boss is set to be given a large transfer budget by Randy Lerner and while he may resurrect a bid for James Milner after a £4m deal fell through on deadline day in August, that maybe his only delving into the transfer market. "We had the possibility of young Milner coming in and nothing has changed much since then, so I assume that money is still available," said O'Neill. "I think we know if we can try to keep going until January, there is every possibility that we should be able to do something in terms of signings."

But the Northern Irishman believes Villa could provide a more attractive proposition come the summer, saying: "Is January the best time to try and improve your team? Some of the players you might want might still be involved in European football with their clubs and won't be available." However, O'Neill insists he has not held talks with Sweden striker Henrik Larsson, now with Helsingborg, after the pair worked together at Celtic. "Henrik is a fine player but if you are asking me have I been in touch with Henrik recently the answer is no," he insisted.