Aston Villa are unlikely to do business at the World Cup after their chief scout warned clubs against using the tournament as a shop window, reports the Birmingham Mail. Ian Storey-Moore prefers to take a watching brief on lesser-known competitions.

For example, he prioritised last month's Under-21 Toulon Tournament instead of the grand stage.

"If you go to the World Cup hoping to unearth the next Wayne Rooney you've already missed the bus," argued Storey-Moore.

"With the possible exception of North Korea, virtually every member of every squad will be well-known by clubs before a ball has been kicked.

"Occasionally, a player you've never heard of catches your eye but buying on the basis of one tournament is incredibly dangerous.

"It's easy to get seduced by the spectacle of a major competition but it's the cold light of a November midweek game that will provide the true test.

"World Cups are a culmination of many months' hard work. You're following pre-targeted players and discovering how they cope at the highest level. This is the final test."

http://www.worldcup.tribalfootball.com/page/Matches/0,,12952,00.html