O'Neill in shock Defoe claim

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has denied making a bid of "zillions" for Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp revealed at the weekend a rival club - believed to be Villa - had hijacked his attempt to re-sign the England striker and bring him back to White Hart Lane from Fratton Park.

O'Neill has confirmed he is looking to strengthen his squad in January but has denied contacting Pompey about Defoe.

The Villa boss said: "We have not enquired about any player at the moment so this idea we have bid zillions for some particular player is simply untrue.

"Obviously we are looking to improve the squad. The team has done phenomenally well but they have been on the go competitively since the middle of July.

"If you are trying to make progress in the Premiership, the FA Cup or the Uefa Cup then obviously we have got to have a look at players.

"But this idea that we are going to put bids in left, right and centre is nonsense."