Berson desperate to join Villa

Nantes midfielder Mathieu Berson has begged the French club to let him join Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old Frenchman, who has spent his entire career with the 2001 champions and is under contract until June 2005, has received offers from the Premiership outfit, but Nantes have refused them all.

“The club’s position does not change, they don’t want to let me go,” Berson said.

“They would earn more money by selling me now, but they say they have already sold enough players and that they don’t need money. But I want to play elsewhere.”

Berson, who has also reportedly attracted the interest of an un-named Spanish club, visited Villa’s facilities recently and met coach David O’Leary.

“His point of view and the club’s project really attracted me,” Berson added.

“The coach knows me very well, he’s come to see me play many times.

“Frankly I hope things are going to get better. I don’t want to start a fight with Nantes, this is not my style.

“I don’t understand why Nantes refuse to let me go. I have always been good to them, I have always given my maximum.

“But now I really want to go.”