Ciaran Clark 'to sign new Villa deal next week'

Aston Villa will reportedly agree a new contract with defender Ciaran Clark next week.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to local rivals West Bromwich Albion, who made a bid for the player this summer.

However, the Birmingham Mail claims that Clark will put pen to paper on a new deal as Villa do not want to risk losing a player who is entering the final year of his existing contract.

Manager Tim Sherwood is said to be keen on retaining Clark, viewing him as a possible central defensive partner for Micah Richards.

Clark represented England at youth level before opting to play for the Republic of Ireland.