Martin O’Neill has shrugged off speculation surrounding the future of Emile Heskey.

Chelsea and former club Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for the Aston Villa forward this month, as he struggles to nail down a regular start in O’Neill’s line-up.

However, the Villa Park manager is unfazed by the speculation, and instead insists he expects the rumour-mill to be in overdrive following the reopening of the window.

"It isn't of any concern to me at all. It is just the nature of the business,” he said. "Things have been bubbling up because January is the only opportunity that clubs can bring in players.

"It doesn't bother me one jot. I cannot go on confirming or denying stories. It just happens. We will be linked with a lot of players in January and a lot of clubs will be linked with some of our players.”

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