O’Leary anxious to sign Villa quartet on new contracts

ASTON VILLA manager David O’Leary has indicated his desire to sign four of his players – including top scorer Juan Pablo Angel – on new contracts as soon as possible.

Angel, Gareth Barry and Thomas Hitzlsperger are all out of contract in the summer of 2005, while the deal of Ulises de la Cruz runs out this summer.

O'Leary, who pruned the squad by 11 players since he took charge in May, wants to tie up the services of the quartet soon.

"I wish I could sign Gareth, Juan Pablo and Thomas. I'd also like to keep Ulises," he said.

"It is not down to me, but I'd love it because we don't want to lose them."