Villa boss David O'Leary is concerned about Delaney's injuries

Delaney, 29, was angry at receiving a one-year extension to his present deal, but O'Leary insists the Welsh international has a future at the club.

"This is not an unusual way of doing things nowadays," the manager said.

"We don't want Mark to go and if he proves himself he will be rewarded again with another deal."

However, O'Leary is disappointed by quotes from Delaney after the club exercised a clause in his contract.

O'Leary said: "Mark's comments have been very disappointing. It's always disappointing when a player makes his comments through the media.

"This is a player and agent who signed this contract with the option three years ago so they can have no complaints when we take up the option.

It is quite clear to me that the manager does not see my long term future at the club Mark Delaney

"Take a great player like Dennis Bergkamp. He has been signing one-year extensions for years and there are no complaints from him."

O'Leary had earlier insisted that a string of injuries to the full-back, who has played only 13 games this season, may have hampered his chances of earning a longer deal.

But Delaney described himself as being "deeply disappointed" at the deal.

He added: "It is quite clear to me that the manager does not see my long term future at the club and he has told me that if the right offer comes in, I would be allowed to leave in the summer.

"I will do everything I can to fight for my place and convince the manager and the board that they have made the wrong decision.

"But I have to be realistic and face facts that I will be playing my football elsewhere next season."