Standing, 20, joined Villa from Brighton at the same time as central defender Gareth Barry.

But while Barry has gone on to become an England international, Standing has struggled to make his own breakthrough.

He has dropped a broad hint that he plans to move on this summer having attracted interest from Birmingham City as well as clubs in Italy.

"We feel it is a fair one. If he thinks he can do better elsewhere then we are happy to shake his hand and say `good luck' to him."

The 20-year-old could leave for nothing under the Bosman ruling when his contract ends next month.

Standing admitted: "I don't think I'll be staying at Villa. Hopefully I'll have a few options to come back to after a short break.

"I don't know if I'll be definitely leaving yet but if I do there will be a lot of regrets. I've been at the club a while and generally had a good time - but if I move on it will be because I want first team football."

Standing's agent Steve Kutner confirmed: "We'll be talking seriously to a couple of clubs when Michael gets back from holiday.

"He'll be flying to Italy for a trial with a couple of clubs and then we'll decide what is next."