PAUL Jewell believes Aaron Cresswell’s football has been affected by the continued speculation linking him with a move to Aston Villa.

The left-back was first targeted by Villa boss Paul Lambert last month with the Premier League side declaring an interest, but stopping short of making a bid with Town valuing the 22-year-old at around �6 million,

Lambert has since moved on to other defenders, namely Middlesbrough’s Joe Bennett who signed for the club yesterday.

Jewell will be glad to see the back of the summer transfer window when it comes to Cresswell.

The former Tranmere Rovers player was badly at fault for Carlisle’s winner in Town’s shock 2-1 defeat in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

Speaking after the match, Jewell said: “I’m not saying it (the rumours) have been in his mind as Cressie is a smashing lad and a super player.

“But I think the speculation might have affected him a little bit. For their second goal, I don’t know what was going through Cressie’s mind.

“It is no more than speculation – we haven’t turned down an offer, we haven’t even had an offer. That’s all I can tell you.”