Hands off my Nobby

Villa and Liverpool are thought to be close to agreeing a fee for Baroš, but that will not include Solano after O’Leary resoundingly denied the 30-year-old was going anywhere. "I admire Liverpool's taste,” he said, as he put his cigarette-holder to rest and straighten his jacket, “but Nobby is an important part of our plans and will not be going anywhere."

Solano has been a key member of the side since his surprise arrival from Newcastle in January 2004. He was the Villa’s top scorer lastseason, and duly won the club's player of the year award. His contract expires at the end of June 2006.