Renewed bid to keep ‘prized’ Vassell at Villa

ASTON VILLA are to hold a fresh round of talks with striker Darius Vassell aimed at persuading him to finally sign a new long-term contract.

Vassell has only 12 months left of his current deal with the midlands club and the England striker could then leave on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2004.

Previous Villa manager Graham Taylor wanted Vassell to commit himself to the club as early as April 2002.