Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is keen for a mini clearout in January.

The < I>People says McLeish won't want to lose key players but said this week he must sell before he can buy in January.

Ideally, he would prefer the likes of Cuellar and Ciaran Clark, and ­midfielder Stephen Ireland, off his books.

But McLeish may be tempted to sell on one of his first-team regulars if a ­decent offer comes in as he tries to put his own stamp on Villa.