Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier must sell if he wants to buy in the January transfer window.
The Daily Mail says Houllier has been told he will only be able to spend money he generates in January.
At present, Werder Bremen and Leicester City are fighting over a £2.5million move for Curtis Davies but that is the only deal on the table.
Villa's wage bill is in excess of that being spent by Champions League qualifiers Tottenham.
Houllier was given the go-ahead to sign France Under 19 midfielder Guida Fofana from Le Havre for £800,000 and take Jamaica international Omar Cummings on trial, but the nature of their defeat at Manchester City has placed the manager under the spotlight.
