MERSON RESIGNED TO VILLA EXIT

ASTON VILLA midfielder Paul Merson could have played in his last game for Aston Villa in Saturday's FA Cup Final after revealing that he has been told that he will probably leave the club in the summer.

The former Arsenal, Middlesbrough and England star, 32, has regained his form this season to push himself back to the fringes of the England squad but may not be offered an extra year's contract at Villa Park.

"I want to stay at Villa," he told The Observer. "If I could get another year, I would finish my career there.

"However, after discussions with the manager I can't see that happening. I would say it looks 90 percent certain that I won't be there next season."