Bruno Alves trail goes cold

The 25-year-old has been tracked by Martin O'Neill but has expressed a desire to play Champions League football, which Villa cannot offer. His agent Christophe Mongai said: "He has three years left on his contract, I think he will be staying at Porto. Villa have been watching Bruno but they haven't spoken to me nor, as far as I know, to the club." Alves made his international debut for Portugal in a friendly against Kuwait earlier this month. With Laursen permanently dogged by injuries and Liam Ridgewell out of favour and attracting interest from the Blouse, Villa are seeking to strengthen their defensive line.