O'Leary confident of keeping Vassell

David O’Leary, now boss at Aston Villa, today spelt out his desire to keep striker Darius Vassell at the club on a long-term basis.

Vassell has still to put pen to paper on a new deal even though negotiations initially got under way 15 months ago before he joined up with England for the 2002 World Cup finals.

The 23-year-old has only 12 months left of his current deal but O’Leary is hoping that he can persuade the player to remain at Villa.

O’Leary said: “I want Darius to stay here. The contract situation is an on-going thing since last year.

“I am just hoping when I see him that I say ’This is me’ and he will sign. I am sure players are checking out what I am like. I know they have been checking with the Leeds United lads to see what I am like.

“I think he knows if he comes he will enjoy the training and the atmosphere of the place but at the end of the day his agents have a figure and it’s been discussed with the club.

“But I do want him to stay. Of course I’ve got to see if he can fit in like anybody else to the plan of the way I want to play.

“Darius might also not like the way I like to play and it’s all about getting to know each other, but he is a quality player.

“I want a high tempo game, trying to score goals.”

Vassell has been given an extra week’s holiday break because of his commitment with England this summer, along with the rest of Villa’s international stars.