Caneira hints at Valencia exit

Portuguese defender linked with Villa switch

By Paco Acedo   Last updated: 15th May 2008

Marco Caneira Valencia Portugal

Caneira: Villa link

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Marco Caneira has admitted he could be tempted into leaving Valencia after Aston Villa were linked with a move.

The Portuguese international can play at right-back or centre-half and could be an ideal replacement for Juventus-bound Olof Mellberg for Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

Caneira has spent time at some of Europe's biggest clubs with Sporting Lisbon, Benfica, Internazionale and Bordeaux all on his CV.

He is currently with Valencia, where he returned this season after spending some 18 months on loan at Sporting.

Good future

Despite featuring in 19 games, Caneira was not always a regular choice and he admits although he enjoys being at La Mestalla, he wants first-team football.

"From a personal point of view I am happy in Valencia, but on the pitch I need more minutes," he told skysports.com.

"If I am not of interest to Valencia, then it is feasible I will leave but only for a club with a good future and project."

Villa are not the only club showing an interest in Caneira, as Sporting are also said to be keen on bringing him back for a fourth spell at the Jose Alvalade.