West Ham have ‘no intention’ of letting Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph leave on loan.
Aston Villa were keen on the 34-year-old who is third choice at the high-flying Hammers and enquired about a loan move.
Villa boss Steven Gerrard wanted Randolph as back-up goalkeeper to Argentina international Emi Martinez, but was knocked back.
And David Moyes does not want to lose the former Ireland No 1 who lost his place in the national side in 2021.
Randolph hasn’t played a single first-team game for West Ham this season.
But Moyes told the Evening Standard: "I have no intention of letting Darren go, we have had no offer. So as far as I'm concerned, all we received was a loan.
“I can't see why I would ever let Darren Randolph go on loan. There's nothing any more than that. So that's the situation."
Although Randolph hasn’t played for West Ham this season, Moyes regards him as a valuable and experienced member of the dressing room.
Ireland boss Stephen Kenny dropped Randolph from the squad because of his club struggles.
And the Bray man has a major fight on his hands to return to the fold.
New first-choice Gavin Bazunu, Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Bournemouth’s Mark Travers are the preferred goalkeepers.
And Ireland goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely last week stated that the young trio can serve the team for the next decade at least.
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