Aston Villa in failed Jose Boswinga bid

Mar 18 2008 By Bill Howell

PORTO president Pinto da Costa has revealed they turned down a bid from Aston Villa for right-back Jose Boswinga.

Despite Boswinga's stance some weeks ago that he might now fancy a dart at the Premier League, da Costa has reiterated he has no intention of selling any of his players.

"We are not thinking about losing any of our players next season,'' he said.

"In the past year, Aston Villa revealed themselves to be an interested party but we did not accept the proposal.

"He is another of the players we intend to keep."

That is unlikely to deter Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who will, nevertheless, face stiff competition for the speedy defender.

Meanwhile, Stephen O'Halloran and Jonathan Hogg have flown to America to see much-respected specialist Richard Steadman.

They face lengthy lay-offs after sustaining knee injuries earlier this month.

O'Halloran damaged his cruciate ligaments while on loan at Leeds and Hogg also damaged ligaments in the reserves' defeat at Spurs on March 3.

O'Halloran said: "Hopefully everything will go well and then I can start working towards a return."