Aston Villa's caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald has played down suggestions the England winger Ashley Young could leave the club before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, has expressed an interest in the 25-year-old. MacDonald said, however, that there has been no bid made by the London side.

"We've not had any contact from Tottenham for Ashley Young, nothing at all. We've not had any bid from them at all," he said.

"Clubs are going to be coming in for some of our top players because one or two of them have been tremendous. They have shown some great form at the start of this season. I would like to think the club wouldn't sell them, but who knows. If it was down to me, I wouldn't sell them.

"I think if the club says it is a sell to buy club, we have to develop those younger players quicker and better. We also need to keep the club progressing to keep all your senior players keen and interested in trying to win things.

"We want to still be forcing ourselves into Europe, having good cup runs, because that is the nature of football."