Rodriguez hints at Liverpool exit

Rodriguez joined Liverpool from Atletico Madrid in 2010 Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez could be on his way back to his boyhood club Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.

Rodriguez revealed he had said yes in principle to a move back home.

The 30-year-old came through the youth set-up to play three first-team seasons for the Rosario-based side before moving to Espanyol in 2002.

"The president [William Lorenzo] called me and I said yes. It depends on the contract I have in Liverpool, maybe that can be loosened a little."

Despite a successful end to last season's campaign with Liverpool, when he scored two hat-tricks as he hit seven goals in three matches, Rodriguez is likely to be only a fringe player next season if he stays.

As manager Kenny Dalglish looks to freshen up his squad and bring in younger players, Rodriguez's age could count against him.

Midfielder Charlie Adam, 25, and winger Stewart Downing, 26, are said to be on Dalglish's wish-list.

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Vaughan bids to keep Wales place

David Vaughan has won 25 caps since his debut in the United States in 2003 David Vaughan insists he wants to remain in the Premier League in a bid to keep his Wales starting place.

The 28-year-old midfielder ended his three-year stay at relegated Blackpool after turning down a contract offer at Bloomfield Road to become a free agent.

Vaughan has been linked with Premier League moves to Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion as he wants to continue being a regular in the Wales midfield.

"The last 12 months I have played more regularly for Wales," said Vaughan.

"That has been good and if I want to continue that I have to be playing as high as I can on a weekly basis."

Vaughan has won eight of his 25 Wales caps in the last 12 months, having established himself as a top-flight player in Ian Holloway's Blackpool midfield alongside Charlie Adam.

Former Real Sociedad player Vaughan impressed for Blackpool in the Premier League despite their relegation to the Championship and was named as the club's player of the year.

But Vaughan, who has started five of the last seven Wales internationals, faces tough competition to remain in Gary Speed's midfield.

Vaughan is up against captain Aaron Ramsey, Jack Collison, Joe Ledley, David Edwards, Joe Allen and Andy King for a place in the centre of Wales' midfield.

"I enjoyed my first season in the Premier League," said Vaughan.

"It was something new to me and I enjoyed playing against some of the best players in the world and that is something I want to continue next season.

"A couple of clubs have shown an interest."

Vaughan, who made 116 appearances for the Seasiders, began his career at Crewe Alexandra but joined Blackpool from Spanish side Real Sociedad in August 2008.

He then helped Holloway's men win Premier League promotion for the first time in 2010.

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McLeish set to meet Villa owner

McLeish, who quit Birmingham by e-mail, has been linked with Aston Villa Alex McLeish has interrupted a holiday to hold talks with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner, BBC Sport understands.

McLeish resigned as manager of local rivals Birmingham City on Sunday.

A Villa statement said on Tuesday: "The club understands that Alex McLeish is a free agent. We therefore intend to interview him imminently."

Responding to Villa's announcement, Birmingham released their own statement, accusing their neighbours of "tapping up" McLeish.

The 52-year-old Scot resigned as manager of the Blues on Sunday 12 June, one month after narrowly missing out on securing the club's Premier League status.

Continue reading the main story Joined Aberdeen in 1976Spent 15 years with the Dons, playing under Sir Alex FergusonWon 77 caps for ScotlandManaged Motherwell, Hibs and Rangers in ScotlandGuided Gers to domestic treble in 2003Became Scotland manager in January 2007, beating France 1-0 in Paris later that yearJoined Birmingham in November 2007, saw them relegated in 2008 but brought them back at the first attemptGuided Birmingham to Carling Cup triumph in February 2011, but Blues were relegated on final day of the season

Although Birmingham's board were going to retain McLeish, they added the caveat that they expected him to achieve promotion once again but he opted to move on.

The St Andrews club are unhappy with any move to employ their former boss, with their statement claiming that Villa's announcement to proceed with an interview was "a contempt of Premier League and FA rules".

It added: "The club feel this will taint football and give the game and the footballing authorities a bad name if this is allowed to materialise. We will lodge a formal complaint as there is now not the slightest doubt remaining about this tap-up attempt.

"This conduct, if condoned, will open up floodgates and set a very bad precedent. It is also an attack against the intelligence and integrity of not only the Villa fans, but most importantly our fans who are badly let down after relegation."

However, Villa, who have been without a permanent boss since the end of April when Gerard Houllier suffered ill health, believe they have taken fans' feelings into account.

"In deciding to interview McLeish, the board has taken his tenure at our local rivals and the strong emotions associated with this very seriously," the Villa statement added.

On 10 June, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez turned down the chance to manage Villa, having been given permission to talk to the Midlands outfit by his club.

Steve McClaren, now in charge at Nottingham Forest, and former Fulham boss Mark Hughes are two others who have been linked with the position.

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