Rennes goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez has cooled talk of moving to Aston Villa.

Douchez has been linked with Villa in the French media this year.

He told France Football: "Aston Villa? It was pure fabrication, a real stupidity that forced Gerard Houllier to deny.

"Let's say there is a 20 per cent chance I could stay at Rennes.

"I will be a free agent next summer and I want to take time to have no regrets. I was sure to leave, now it is less sure."

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