Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has dismissed speculation linking striker John Carew with a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old Norway international is being linked with Fenerbahce, having previously played in Turkey with Besiktas between 2004 and 2005.

O'Neill commented:"I've no idea about that at all, absolutely not, but it's that time of year again coming up. There's nothing in it.

"I haven't spoken to John or his agent about it. He's played in Turkey before and I'm sure that won't be the only link to one of our players this season. I've not even bothered to chase it up.

"We're at a really important stage and John is very important to us. I would be pretty loathe to be losing players.

"John has been an integral part of the side, he's done very well and I want a bit of genuine competition for places, which I think I have at the moment – maybe not everywhere but in a number of areas."

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