Aston Villa have turned down the opportunity to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone on loan.
The 25-year-old has been told by manager Andre Villas-Boas that he can leave White Hart Lane in order to secure regular football.
Villa were one of the clubs who were offered the player by his representatives, but new boss Paul Lambert rejected the approach and will instead concentrate in trying to secure the signings of his own transfer targets.
Following the rejection, Huddlestone now looks most likely to move to Stoke City, who have emerged as favourites for his signature.