Villa boss John Gregory offered James a new deal that will put him on a level with the club's other big earners like Paul Merson and Gareth Southgate.

However, James wants assurances about the direction in which the club are heading and has urged them to invest in the squad to push for a Champions League spot.

Villa have been involved in protracted negotiations with Celta Vigo striker Benni McCarthy, and have recently re-signed Steve Staunton on a free transfer from Liverpool.

Ambitions

The Villa goalkeeper would like assurances about the future, and the direction the club are moving in.

James said: "We are no further forward with my contract. Hopefully my agent will have further talks today but this is not about money.

"I would like no know where the club are going. The only thing that will satisfy me is if the club seriously have ambitions.

"We need to strengthen the squad. I'm not saying we necessarily need to splash out on five Benni McCarthys but players should be bought to fit in as and when needed."

James' agent Colin Gordon said: "Talks will be ongoing over the next couple of days.

"John Gregory has said that David should be paid at the same rate as Gareth Southgate and Paul Merson and three or four others.

"But, as we stress, money isn't the key. The principle concern is over the ambitions of the club."