Berger agrees new Villa deal

Veteran midfielder Patrik Berger has agreed a new one-year deal with Aston Villa.

The 33-year-old is said by the club to have “shaken hands” on the terms of the contract and will sign it when the players return for pre-season training.

The former Liverpool and Czech Republic star looked to have played his last game for Martin O'Neill’s side when he was sent out on loan to Stoke earlier this season.

However, after finding some good form at the Britannia Stadium he returned to Villa Park and was one of the club’s best players in a promising run-in to the campaign.

“We have a new owner, a new manager and several new players, so it’s an exciting time for the club,” he told www.avfc.co.uk.

“The new training ground will be ready for the upcoming campaign too, so, in my opinion, everything is moving forward.

“I’m sure Martin O’Neill will be bringing in some really good players in the summer, so it looks set to be an interesting time.

“In my opinion this club will be challenging for a spot in Europe next season - I think it’s really going places.”