McLeish’s words echo the policy of previous Villa manager Gerard Houllier, who had disagreements with star players like Stephen Warnock and Richard Dunne because they refused to move.
However, while the new manager is prepared to be slightly softer on the club’s policy, he still believes that his players should at least live closer to the club’s training ground.
McLeish told The Daily Mirror: “There are four or five players involved.
“I am asking them to move to Birmingham and I want evidence they are making genuine efforts to do so.
“I do understand concerns about families moving, but there’s nothing to stop individuals renting a flat or sharing with one of the other lads.”
In particular, McLeish wants Dunne, Warnock and Stephen Ireland to look for houses closer to the club’s Bodymoor Heath training ground.
New signing Shay Given has already said he is looking for somewhere in Birmingham after leaving Manchester City for £3.5 million.
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Alex McLeish tells Aston Villa players to live near Birmingham