Samuel signs new Villa deal

The versatile defender has penned a deal to remain at Villa Park until 2006 and his commitment to the club follows on from the contracts recently signed by Mark Delaney and Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Samuel has been in impressive form during the second half of the season and has been a virtual ever-present since December.

Since the appointment of Graham Taylor, the England Under-21 international has become an even more prominent figure in the side.

With Taylor keen to construct a team on the foundations of youth, the Villa chief was delighted by Samuel's decision to remain with the mid-table outfit.

"This is great news. Jlloyd has proved that he has a great future ahead of him and I'm delighted he's put pen-to-paper," Taylor told the club's official website.

Meanwhile, Spurs are rumoured to have made an enquiry for Villa's out-of-favour Lee Hendrie.

The enigmatic midfielder has failed to establish himself under Taylor and could be sacrificed in the summer to provide funds for the manager's rebuilding programme.

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle is equally determined to shuffle his pack and could be ready to launch a £5 million summer raid for Hendrie.