Defender Olof Mellberg has told Aston Villa he is ready to pledge his long-term future to the midlands club ahead of the trip to play Liverpool on Saturday.
The Swedish international claimed he would happily sign a new contract if it was offered to him by manager Martin O'Neill. Mellberg, who is in his sixth season at Villa, has 20 months to run of his current deal which expires in the summer of 2008.
O'Neill has hinted he would like to tie up the services of Mellberg and key midfielder Gavin McCann, who also has the same amount of time left on his present contract.
Mellberg has responded in a positive way with some fine performances after losing the Villa captaincy to midfielder Gareth Barry, who has already put pen to paper on a new four-year deal.
The former Racing Santander player said: "I haven't really heard anything myself about a new contract. I read something about it in the papers. There are a few of us in a similar situation contract-wise. But I would like to stay at Aston Villa if they offer me a new one. Definitely.
"I am not looking to leave. It has been a good start to the season and I have felt good personally. There is no reason to say no if there is a new contract offer. My own form has been good all season. I felt strong pre-season and I have felt good the whole season."
