Aston Villa 'to cut average wage'

Alex McLeish is being forced to cut Aston Villa players' wages by an average of £10,000 per week, according to a report.

The club's owner is eager to lower the average wage of the first team from £57,000 per week to £46,000, despite having sold a number of high-profile players this summer, The Mirror claims.

Further exits - such as those of fringe players Carlos Cueller and Habib Beye - are expected in the January transfer window. The clear-out is expected to balance the books at Villa Park and allow club stars such as Richard Dunne and Gabriel Agbonlahor to continue on their above-average deals.

The club, who sold Ashley Young, Stewart Downing and Brad Friedel this summer, are expected to bring in replacement players on lower salaries.