The agent of Shaun Maloney insists the Scot is staying with Aston Villa.

"Martin O'Neill does rate him highly," John Halliwell told the Daily Record. "The sooner Shaun settled down the better it was for all concerned and he is focused on winning his place back next season, which I am sure he will.

"He still has three years to go and there will be no problems whatsoever with Shaun and Villa. At this moment in time it is status quo, nothing has changed. When I tell you it is the truth, I promise it is the truth.

"It is that time of year when Shaun is linked with clubs and this is going to happen every transfer window.

"Other people keep telling me what is going on but I can tell you he isn't going anywhere.

"We have no contact from anyone in Scotland."