Aston Villa's attempts to offload some huge money from their wage budget have taken a hit, with Charles N'Zogbia refusing to leave the club in January.
The relegation threatened club were hoping that the midfielder would agree to mutually terminating his contract six months before it expires in the summer, in order to free up funds for late moves in the transfer window.
N'Zogbia to remain on his huge wages
However, it appears that N'Zogbia is perfectly content on B6, and doesn't plan on moving away from his wage packet until his contract expires, with the Birmingham Mail suggesting that he's earning around £63,000 per week.
N'Zogbia's plan to see out the remainder of his contract at Villa comes in spite of a real lack of action under Remi Garde, with him having only played a total of 41 minutes under the Frenchman, the last of two substitute appearances coming over two months ago.
Garde looking to life in the Championship?
Although this particular objective might not get completed, Garde's willingness to rid the club of N'Zogbia does suggest that he's preparing the club for life in the Championship, as they seek to remain financially safe if they drop down to England's second division. This is all being done due to the fact that the Villans remain rock-bottom of the table, 10 points from safety with 15 games to go.
Garde has already got rid of the likes of Joe Cole, Jose Angel-Crespo, Tiago Ilori, Joe Bennett and Philippe Senderos during this month, the last of those being the most recent to depart.
Despite this exodous, there hasn't been anyone of note brought into the club. Whilst Garde has appointed a new assistant manager in Eric Black, he's not purchased any players, with moves for the likes of Lamine Kone, Mathieu Debuchy and Loic Remy never materialising.