PAUL Merson has urged Aston Villa to sell unsettled stars like Gareth Southgate and David James and use the money to rebuild the team.

James has joined skipper Southgate in asking for a transfer after questioning the club's ambition.

Villa manager John Gregory has rejected the request, just as he did with Southgate in the summer, and described James as "priceless."

But Merson, who has been Villa's outstanding performer in the first half of the season, believes it is not the best policy to hold on to unhappy players.

"It''s a shame that certain players want to leave the club but I believe you should sell them and start again," he said.

"At any other club in the country they would be allowed to go. Aston Villa are not going to win the league this season so it makes sense to let players go if they want to. You will get money for them and you can bring younger players in.

"David and Gareth are quality players but everyone has a price. Their attitude has been outstanding but you have to think about starting again.

"Everyone is impatient for success but that's the way football is now. Villa haven't won the title for 20 years and something has to be done."

Merson feels it is unfair that Villa supporters are pointing the finger at chairman Doug Ellis for the lack of success.

There were further protests during Saturday's match against Manchester City but Merson said: "I feel sorry for the chairman. The money is there but if the forward is not there then you can't get him and it's as simple as that."