Martin O'Neill has spoken of his intention to tie Wilfred Bouma to a long-term deal at Villa Park.

The Dutch defender has established himself as O'Neill's first choice at left-back, enjoying an excellent campaign for the Uefa Cup hopefuls.

Villa have a one-year option on his contract but it is expected the former PSV Eindhoven man will stay for longer.

O'Neill has already engaged in discussions with the player's representatives and is eager to conclude terms for a two or three-year extension.

"We are at least taking up the one-year option and want to extend that by at least another year," O'Neill told the Birmingham Mail.

"We are in discussions and will be having more talks at the end of the season.

"Wilfred is pretty happy here and with a bit of luck on Sunday he will complete his tally of games and that's a big improvement on where he was before with injuries.

"Whatever contract we come up with, if it works out well he will have deserved it."

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