Boss Jim Magilton has denied claims that Aston Villa are poised to move for striker Danny Haynes. However, Magilton says he would not prevent any of the Blues' youngsters from joining a Premier League side.

Former England U19 international Haynes has been linked with a number of Premier League sides including Portsmouth, Everton, West Ham and Wigan as well as the now relegated Birmingham, but the Town manager says he has heard nothing: "As I have said before if the right bid came in and there was a chance for one of my youngsters to play in the top flight I would not stand in his way.

"But we have had no bids for Danny and if we do we will take it up from there. He remains very much part of my first team plans."

Magilton, who is currently in Belfast studying for his UEFA A Licence, says some of his squad are approaching match condition already, despite having only started pre-season training on Wednesday: "It doesn't take them long to get back in the swing of things and some will be ready to start playing competitive football again next week.

"Modern-day players are very conscious of diet, nutrition and all the other things that are part of the professional game.”

Town are off to Loughborough University next week for five days, which Magilton says will be of great benefit: "They will be wired up to machines and doing tests - and it worked really well last year. The facilities are top class.

"In fitness terms, we're always looking for a slight edge, so it's great at Loughborough because you get a chance to pick the brains of some of the brightest people in Britain.”

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