 Vill are keen to keep McCann (left) and Mellberg (right) |
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is to open talks with midfielder Gavin McCann and central defender Olof Mellberg over new contracts. McCann, 29, and Mellberg, 29, both have 18 months remaining of their current deals and O'Neill is keen to sign up the duo on a long-term basis.
O'Neill said: "I don't like players going into the last year of their contracts without their future sorted.
"Gavin has been an unsung hero, while Olof has also been splendid."
O'Neill added: "There is more to Gavin's play than just someone who wins the ball while Olof has also filled in and done a good job at right-back when he was asked to.
"He has seemed reinvigorated to me. "
Mellberg has reportedly been a target for Spanish side Levante but O'Neill insisted there has been no contact with the club.
And Mellberg has expressed his desire to remain at Villa if they offer him a new contract.
He said: "I would like to stay at Villa if they offer me a new contract. Definitely. I am not looking to leave. There is no reason to say 'no' if there is a new contract offer."
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