Ulisis de la Cruz Released?

Reports in the Sun today claim that Aston Villa have released utility player Ulises de la Cruz.

There is no mention of this on the official site or reports elsewhere but it does seem that the Ecuador international will be allowed to leave in the summer, along with many more as O’Leary looks to re-build following the disastrous season just gone.

Villa bought de la Cruz from Hibernian in 2002 for the princely sum of £1.5 million. Despite pleading to be allowed to leave in January David O’Leary insisted on keeping him and also said that the club had received no offers for the defender/winger. He made just four starts this season and had three sub appearances.

Reports elsewhere back up Vital Villa’s claim earlier in the week: Click Here that James Milner will enter into talks for a permanent move this week.