Balaban's Villa contract terminated

Aston Villa have terminated the contract of Croatian striker Bosko Balaban with immediate effect.

Balaban joined the club on a five-year deal from Dynamo Zagreb in August 2001, but the move turned sour and the player has not started a single Premiership game.

The club told the Stock Exchange: “Agreement has been reached today with player, Bosko Balaban, whereby his playing contract has been terminated with immediate effect."

The original five-year contract had two years and seven months still to run.