ALEX McLeish has reiterated the need to balance Aston Villa’s wage bill – insisting that players must leave before new signings are made.

The Villa boss has held lengthy discussions with owner Randy Lerner about transfer dealings and admits that the situation hasn’t changed since the summer.

In order to fund new arrivals, Villa must offload some of the current crop, although McLeish insists that there are no departures currently in the pipeline.

Enda Stephens has already signed and Robbie Keane has linked up on loan but any further deals will depend on outgoings.

“There’s nothing I can do unless we can balance the wages,” said McLeish.

“Randy is full steam ahead on Villa’s soaring wage bill being kept in check.

“Unless somebody goes there’s probably not any scope for any transfer activity.

“At the end of the day you might need to lose a good player to supplement the squad, but at the moment there’s nothing imminent at all.

“I’ve spoken to Randy at length and his love for the club has not waned, but he wants me to work closely with him, Paul Faulkner and Aston Villa, not just for myself and my own reasons.

“He wants me to work with him to maintain a stability at the club and to try and foster a real identity here.”

Stephens made his first appearance in a Villa shirt for the reserves yesterday while Keane continued to train with his new teammates.

The formalities of his two-month loan were expected to be finalised last night, meaning he will be available to feature against Everton on Saturday.

McLeish has already said how impressed he is with the 31-year-old Irishman from the few training sessions he has taken part in.

Darren Bent – the man he is likely to partner – has also been pleased with what he has seen and hopes Keane’s arrival will create a flurry of goals.