Joachim went on the transfer list in the summer after a contract dispute with Gregory and since has had to incur the wrath of fans ever since.

But the jeers that greeted his arrival on the pitch as a substitute at Villa Park against Derby turned to cheers when he scored two goals.

Gregory said: "Julian, as far as I am concerned, is staying. He asked to be put on the list and I have told him I would not sell him.

"I have not had an offer for him but I think people realise they are wasting their time if they try and take him off me. I have no intention of letting him go.

Southgate

"For me to even think about such a thing it would take an enormous amount of money."

The former England Under-21 international had been out of Villa's starting line-up for two months, with Gregory claiming "his head has not been right for the last two months."

But he came on a substitute against Middlesbrough at the Riverside stadium and scored Villa's goal in a 1-1 draw.