Villa agree Davis deal

Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis has agreed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the Midlands club.

Davis will formally put pen to paper on the new deal this afternoon which will keep him at Villa Park until at least the summer of 2009.

The Northern Ireland midfielder has earned a double-your-money contract after his outstanding performances since breaking into the first team 13 months ago.

Davis, who will be 21 next month, initially earned his chance because of injuries and suspensions.

But he is now one of the first names on Villa manager David O’Leary’s team sheet and his decision to commit himself to Villa is a major tonic ahead of the hectic festive programme.

Davis is understood to be attracting interest from Manchester United, although O’Leary insists he has had no contact from Alex Ferguson.

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez has also praised Davis, who played a major part in the shock 1-0 victory over England in September.