O'Neill could be forced to sell stars

Martin O'Neill insists he won't "down tools" at Villa even if Randy Lerner cuts his transfer budget, writes Brendan McLoughlin.

But the Villa boss is warning fans he cannot rule out selling one of his crown jewels if Lerner dictates a clampdown on his spending this summer.

O'Neill, who admitted he was "overwhelmed" by fans' show of support during Saturday's 1-0 win at Bolton, has reiterated his intention to stay beyond the summer – even if Villa's American owner, whose net investment on players has averaged £20m in his four years at the helm, tightens the purse strings.

But O'Neill concedes he could be forced to change tack if a spending cut materialises – and one option would be cashing in on one of his stars.

He said: "If that situation (reduced budget) did develop, that wouldn't necessarily mean I would go and down tools and say, 'Well, listen, we can't go any further.'

"You wouldn't just down tools. It's not been in my nature to do that. I couldn't envisage that sort of scene."

England pair James Milner and Ashley Young could each fetch over £20m, while Gabby Agbonlahor and Stewart Downing would also easily raise double figures. But O'Neill insists his intention remains strengthening the team, not weakening it.