Aston Villa midfielder Shaun Maloney will not be making a return to Glasgow, according to the player's agent.

Maloney was thought to be close to bringing to an end a frustrating 18 months at Villa Park after struggling for first-team opportunities since moving from Celtic in January 2007.

Celtic and Rangers were understood to be weighing up moves for Maloney, but the 25-year-old's agent - John Halliwell - insists the Scotland international is going nowhere.

Maloney has struggled to settle at Villa and it has been reported he has suffered from homesickness and that manager Martin O'Neill has become frustrated, but Halliwell is adamant this is not the case.

"Martin O'Neill does rate him highly," Halliwell told the Daily Record.

"The sooner Shaun settled down the better it was for all concerned and he is focused on winning his place back next season, which I am sure he will.

"He still has three years to go and there will be no problems whatsoever with Shaun and Villa.

"At this moment in time it is status quo, nothing has changed. When I tell you it is the truth, I promise it is the truth.

"It is that time of year when Shaun is linked with clubs and this is going to happen every transfer window.

"Other people keep telling me what is going on but I can tell you he isn't going anywhere.

"We have no contact from anyone in Scotland"

More news from SportingLife.com