Hullit has not said Batty is for sale,  although David Batty gave Villa manager John Gregory massive encouragement by saying it was a massive honour to be linked with such a club as Aston Villa.

With the Watson deal soon due for completion,  David Batty could be the next star to link up with Villa.  

Having won 2 championship medals for Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers as well as being an ever present in the England first team he has the kind of experience that Villa are looking for in there quest for title glory.