Ten Villans released

Nigel Reo-Coker, John Carew and Robert Pires are among 10 players released by Aston Villa.

First-team squad members Moustapha Salifou and Isaiah Osbourne have also been allowed to leave Villa Park along with youngsters Durrell Berry, Ellis Deeney, Calum Flanagan, Harry Forrester and Arsenio Halfhuid.

Reo-Coker moved to Villa Park from West Ham for £8.5million four years ago and captained the side several times during his stay. He featured in 30 Barclays Premier League games last season but has now been deemed surplus to requirements.

Carew, 31, joined the club with a genuine European pedigree and finished as Villa's leading goalscorer in three successive seasons before falling down the pecking order.

Veteran French midfielder Robert Pires had plenty of Premier League experience with Arsenal and after training with his former club to regain match fitness he was offered a short-term deal by Villa boss and fellow Frenchman Gerard Houllier in November.