MacDonald insists Heskey is part of the plans at Villa despite of reports linking the striker with a move to Leicester.
“I worked with Emile as a young boy at Leicester and I’ve got a lot of time for him,” said MacDonald.
“I’ve not had any talks with Leicester.
“I live quite close to Leicester so I know quite a few of the people there and there has been nothing at all.
“I think Emile Heskey is a very, very good footballer. You don’t play as often as he did for England if you are not a good player.”
MacDonald added: “In my opinion, he has been a top player for a long time. You don’t play for Liverpool and win trophies if you are not a good player.
“Aston Villa need as many good players as they can and then to develop some other ones as well.”
