Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has insisted that Nolberto Solano will not be moving to Liverpool.

It had been claimed that Solano, 30, would form part of a deal for Liverpool striker Milan Baros.

However, O’Leary told the club website: “I admire Liverpool’s taste but Nobby is an important part of our plans and will not be going anywhere.”

Villa and Liverpool are thought to be close to agreeing a fee over Baros.

The Peruvian winger, who joined from Newcastle in January 2004, was Villa’s top scorer last season, with eight goals and he also won the club’s player of the year award.