Aston Villa striker Luke Moore and midfielder Steven Davis could be on their way out of the club after manager Martin O'Neill announced that young players would have to battle for the right to play first team football.

Moore, who played just 14 games last season after a serious shoulder injury and Davis, who lost some of the sparkling form which drew the attention of Manchester United just 12 months ago, are both thought to be heading for the Villa Park exit.

Moore, aged 21, who joined the club as a youngster together with his brother Stefan, has been linked with a possible move to Middlesbrough - the team he once annihilated with three goals in one Premiership game.

It is understood that O'Neill highly rates the player in term of his ability but is unconvinced about his attitude off the field.

Davis, who suffered a dip in form during the last campaign, made just nine appearances since January and found himself on the bench more often that not with the arrival of Bulgarian international Stiliyan Petrov from Celtic.

The talented 22-year-old Northern Ireland international is said to be being hunted by a host of Premier League clubs including Fulham which would see him united with his former International boss Lawrie Sanchez.

Sanchez refused to be drawn on whether to not his side would be interested in making an offer for the midfielder but sources say Davis is eager to play in aside where he can be guaranteed first team football.

Fulham chairman Mohammed Al Fayed also recently announced that The Cottagers would have money to spend this summer and said he would be supporting new manager Sanchez with "significant funds" for new players.

Al Fayed said: "I haven't hesitated in making significant funds available to our new manager. I want him to invest on the pitch so we can reach new heights."

Davis, like Moore is a huge fans' favourite at Villa Park and O'Neill would have to justify their departure with some new big name signings to appease the supporters.

O'Neill recently said he believed Davis was suffering from "second season syndrome."

He said: "In general there is going to be a stage where young players are either going to have to battle and get in the side or look elsewhere.

"Did Steve Davis suffer from second season syndrome - you could be right to say that. He had a really good first season and found the going a bit more difficult this season just gone.

"His preferred position is central midfield and he doesn't feel comfortable out wide so sometimes it is limiting for him."