Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has refused to deny reports that he will join Juventus in the summer.
Defender silent over Villa Park future
Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has refused to deny reports that he will join Juventus in the summer.
The Sweden international, who has been at Villa Park for seven years, is out of contract at the end of the season and would be free to open talks with interested parties in January.
Italian media reports claim that Mellberg will sign a pre-contract agreement with the Serie A side once the transfer window opens.
The centre-back told Swedish newspaper Sportbladet: "The situation is the same as before. The focus is on Aston Villa, then we will see.
"I understand that there are many rumours since I am out of contract at the end of the season."
Decisions
Villa manager Martin O'Neill admits he remains in the dark over Mellberg's future at the club, but is refusing to accept defeat in his bid to agree a new deal with the player.
He said: "I don't know if there is anything in the Juventus link and Olof will tell me in his own time if that is the case. Players are free to make decisions here.
"This is an important contract for Olof. He has been here seven years and, in terms of the commitment he has given since I've been here, I couldn't ask any more.
"He has played out of position for most of this season at right-back and just got on with it. He might think a lot of things. He might think that seven years is a long time at one club in this day and age.
"But I will still think, if we can come up with something which is reasonably suitable, that he might stay at Villa. But if he chooses to go, all he has to do is just let me know.
"We have been to-ing and fro-ing and I can understand this is an important decision for him. You have to look at a few things and it is likewise for players."
Fitness
And O'Neill plans to hold talks with fellow defender Martin Laursen to try to convince him to sign a new deal.
The Denmark international, who will also become a free agent at the end of the campaign, has proved his fitness after three injury-hit years and he is willing to discuss a new contract.
O'Neill said: "With Martin this week I hope to sit down and have a chat. He has so far proved his fitness whereas this time last year, you would have had reasonable doubts about him."
