COVENTRY CITY manager Ron Atkinson yesterday pulled out of a move for Aston Villa defender Paul McGrath when he was quoted a £200,000 fee for the Republic of Ireland international by Villa boss Brian Little. Atkinson, who worked with McGrath at both Manchester United and Villa, was set to cash in on the 36-year-old's dissatisfaction at Villa Park, where he has been unhappy with his lack of first-team football this season.

But Atkinson does not want to pay a fee for the Republic's most-capped player, even though Coventry have conceded 10 goals in their last five games.

Atkinson said: "We were prepared to take him off the Villa wage bill, but they want £200,000 and we are not talking in that region. We've made inquiries about him, but won't pay a fee." Tranmere player-manager John Aldridge is also interested in signing his international team-mate - but he too has been put off by Villa's asking price.

Little stressed that he is not prepared to let McGrath go anywhere without a fee.