Aston Villa boss David O’Leary insists there will be no get-out clause in his new contract.

O’Leary is close to agreeing an improved three-and-a-half year deal following talks with chairman Doug Ellis and the former Leeds boss has not requested an escape route.

O’Leary said: "I hope the exclusion of a get-out clause indicates to people that I am not just hovering at Villa until something better comes along." (The Sun)

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Ray Parlour claims Middlesbrough sensation Stewart Downing isn’t ready for England just yet.

Downing scored his third goal in four games to rescue a point against Portsmouth on Sunday and is being touted as the answer to England’s problem on the left wing.

Parlour said: "I’m sure he could do a good job for England there, but he’s got to establish himself in the Under-21s first.

He needs to improve a little bit and be more consistent." (Daily Mirror)

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Malcolm Glazer was last night plotting his final Manchester United move, according to the Daily Express.

City sources were analysing whether the United board have acted in the best interest of their shareholders as Glazer believes the vast majority would accept his £3-a-share offer that values the club at just short of £800m.

It is understood that Glazer tabled his offer on 27 September but has been refused the go-ahead by the United directors to even discuss his business plan.

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Chelsea star Arjen Robben has set his sights on wreaking havoc in the Premiership after bouncing back from his three-month lay-off.

Robben, who broke a bone in his foot shortly after arriving in a £12m deal from PSV, dazzled on his first appearance for the Blues as a substitute against Blackburn.

The Dutch ace said: "I enjoyed it and I ma happy now. That half hour sums up my game. I normally play like this and create chances for my team-mates." (Daily Star)

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Craig Bellamy has thanked Newcastle supporters for saving his Toon career.

The controversial striker admits he would have been shown the exit door at St James’s Park long ago had it not been for the backing of the Geordie faithful who gave him a standing ovation following his winner against Manchester City on Sunday.

Bellamy said: "People always see me as someone giving 100 per cent. I probably wouldn’t still be here after the incidents I’ve been through down the years if they didn’t think that.

"Maybe I would have been shown the door a long time ago." (The Sun)