O’Leary aims to keep Angel

DAVID O’LEARY has insisted that persuading Juan Pablo Angel to sign a new contract at Aston Villa is a major priority.

O'Leary has claimed the Colombian international has indicated that he is prepared to stay as long as the Irishman remains in charge of the midlands club.

Angel has 18 months left of his current deal and has been linked with a move to Arsenal after a hot streak of form has taken his goal tally for the campaign to 13.

O'Leary has played down the possible link with the Gunners but he is keen to tie down Angel's services on a long-term basis as he prepares for today's home FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

It was O'Leary who persuaded Angel to stay at Villa after he had initially indicated he would be looking to leave last summer, and the pair have developed a close bond.

O'Leary has confirmed Villa's interest in signing Leicester midfielder Muzzy Izzet but is pessimistic about tying up a deal during the current transfer window.