O'Neill in O'Halloran talks

Martin O'Neill says he wants Stephen O'Halloran to sign a new long-term contract at Villa Park.

Villa boss wants defender to sign new deal

Martin O'Neill says he wants Stephen O'Halloran to sign a new long-term contract at Villa Park. The Republic of Ireland international has yet to make his Villa debut but is highly-rated by the Villa boss. O'Neill says talks have already been held with the left-back's agent about a possible new deal. O'Neill, who is also holding contract talks with Olof Mellberg and Luke Moore, said: "Stephen is another one I'd like to agree a new deal with.

Discussion

"I'm in discussion with his agent about that at the moment and we hope we can do something." O'Halloran spent part of last season on loan at Wycombe and has been linked with a possible move to Ipswich and O'Neill is now weighing up whether to allow the 20-year-old to go out on loan again. "Stephen would like to go out and play games. He had had the experience at Wycombe last season. Wilfred Bouma has been doing fine at left-back so that has denied Stephen an opportunity," O'Neill added.