Delaney has been prone to injury

The Wales international, 30, is out of contract in the summer and will not play again this season after knee surgery in the United States.

O'Neill said: "I have absolutely no intention of ruling anything out at all, I'll wait for him to get back to see what the prognosis is.

"Is there potential for a new deal? All sorts of are options open to us."

Delaney feared he had played his last game for Villa after undergoing surgery with renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman.

The surgery involved tightening his ligament in the hope of curing a problem which has sidelined him for the first half of the season.

O'Neill added: "Whatever happens, he will be out for a few months, but this operation will give him a chance to get back and play."

Delaney had earlier said: "The operation went well, but I will be out of action for four to six months and it looks as if I've kicked my last ball for Villa.

"The surgeon said he can't give me any guarantees that I'll be able to play at the highest level.

"I'm just sad that I look like not having another chance to play in front of the Villa fans, who have been fantastic towards me in all my time at the club."