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Press article:

ELLIS: NEWCASTLE WANTED NOBBY BACK - 25/02/2005

Aston Villa have confirmed they turned down a transfer window attempt by Newcastle to take Nolberto Solano back to St James' Park.

Chairman Doug Ellis claims the approach was "rejected out of hand" on the basis that Solano has become an integral part of David O'Leary's team since his bargain £1.5million move last year.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness felt Solano would give his side extra quality in midfield but was frustrated in his efforts to re-sign the player who was highly popular on Tyneside.

Souness told a BBC Newcastle phone-in that he had been serious about prising Solano away from Villa, only to receive no encouragement from O'Leary.

The Peru international was sold to Villa by Sir Bobby Robson in January 2004, after playing more than 200 matches for Newcastle.

Ellis told Villa's website, www.avfc.co.uk: "It is true that Newcastle approached the manager about Nobby, but we rejected the interest out of hand and made it clear to Graeme Souness that it wasn't going to happen.

"I suppose it's not surprising they wanted him back, anyone who has seen Nobby in action for Villa will know we pulled off a real coup when we signed him last year.

"He's our top scorer this season and adds a real creative flair to the side. He was a big favourite on Tyneside and is now a big favourite with our supporters.

"Newcastle may now feel they made a mistake in letting him go. We had no intention of making the same mistake when they asked about re-signing him."

http://www.sportinglife.com


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