Aston Villa: September 2008 - news archive

Stiliyan Petrov says he is loving life at Aston Villa and admits the competition for places can only be good for the club.

Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Lisandro Lopez, who is in dispute with Porto over a new contract and could move on.

Curtis Davies says it is crucial Aston Villa get Ashley Young tied down to a new deal as the winger will only get better.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits it has taken Stilian Petrov two seasons to recapture his best form after a change of role.

Goals from Ashley Young and John Carew saw Villa fight back to beat Sunderland after Djibril Cisse gave the visitors the lead.

Martin O'Neill says he is delighted with Villa's start to the season as they sit fourth in the table going into the Sunderland game.

Martin O'Neill has yet to open talks with Stiliyan Petrov over a new deal but is keen to keep him at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, who is struggling for action at Anfield.

Villa Park will play host to England's massive Under 21 European Championship play-off clash with Wales on October 14.

Midfielder Isaiah Osbourne is set to get a chance to shine for Aston Villa in their Carling Cup clash with QPR on Wednesday.

Martin O'Neill has described John Carew and Gabby Agbonlahor as a 'great partnership' after some impressive recent displays.

Nicky Shorey has denied talk of fatigue among the Villa players and feels the squad will stay fresh if they continue to win.

Aston Villa will have to pay as much as £10million if they want to sign Wigan's Emile Heskey in January.

John Carew says Aston Villa are ready to challenge the big boys following another crucial away win on Sunday.

Martin O'Neill saw his players win three away games on the bounce with victory in a frantic Midlands derby at the Hawthorns.

Chelsea have been making discrete enquiries about landing Aston Villa's Gareth Barry in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa's former West Brom star Curtis Davies claims he is fit to play in the derby clash at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

John Carew, Ashley Young and Curtis Davies are all doubts for Aston Villa's derby showdown against West Brom.

Martin O'Neill admitted Nigel Reo-Coker's equaliser was the turning point in Aston Villa's 3-1 Uefa Cup win over Litex Lovech.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is tipping new defender Carlos Cuellar to become a regular in Spain's squad in the near future.

James Milner and Marlon Harewood could both start for Villa in their UEFA Cup first round clash against Bulgarian side Litex Lovech.

Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner has paid tribute to manager Martin O'Neill after signing a new four-year deal at the club.

Aston Villa captain Nigel Reo-Coker believes his side has the ability to break into the top four this season.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has praised midfielder Gareth Barry and believes the player is back to his best.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has hailed his side after they beat Tottenham 2-1 - but the Irishman isn't getting carried away.

Aston Villa moved into the top four after an impressive victory over disappointing Spurs at White Hart Lane.

Martin O'Neill does not want a repeat of last season's goal-fest when Aston Villa lock horns with Tottenham in the Premier League.

Martin O'Neill is optimistic Ashley Young will follow Craig Gardner in signing a new long-term contract at Aston Villa.

Chelsea are the latest club to join the race to sign Aston Villa's Gareth Barry, according to reports.

Aston Villa youngster Craig Gardner has signed a new four-year deal at Villa Park.

New signing Carlos Cuellar is in contention to make his Villa debut at Tottenham on Monday night after recovering from injury.

Wigan fear England striker Emile Heskey will leave in January, with Aston Villa and Spurs reportedly leading the chase to sign him.

Villa new boy James Milner has praised team mate Gareth Barry and hopes to follow in his footsteps by breaking into the England squad.

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell will have to wait to make his debut after suffering a knee injury in a reserve match.

Wilfred Bouma has thanked Villa for handing him a new contract while he's out injured and has vowed to return to action soon.

Stilian Petrov's agent has confirmed the midfielder wants to sign a new, long-term contract at Villa and hopes to hold talks soon.

Carlos Cuellar stepped up his return to full fitness with another 90 minutes as the Villa reserves beat Tottenham 1-0 last night.

Aston Villa are being linked with a £6million raid on Wigan for Emile Heskey as soon as the transfer window opens in January.

Aston Villa could battle it out with Chelsea for Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge, who is out of contract next summer.

Martin O'Neill has been pleased with Stilian Petrov's form of late and hinted that he could secure an improved contract at Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill says Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner is ready to break the bank to keep the club's star players on board.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton faces a lengthy FA suspension today amid reports that Aston Villa are interested in signing him.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill will not abandon his policy of attacking football in his quest to shore up his defence.

Martin O'Neill has hinted he will make Gareth Barry wait for a new Aston Villa contract to avoid dressing-room unrest.

Aston Villa are locked in talks with Ashley Young as Martin O'Neill looks to tie down a number of his young stars to new deals.

Aston Villa have been boosted by the news that Steve Sidwell and Carlos Cuellar are closing in on a return to action following injury.

Aston Villa failed with a late attempt to sign Wigan striker Emile Heskey, while no bid was launched for Kevin Doyle.

Martin O'Neill is still hoping to sign a couple of players on deadline day with Reading striker Kevin Doyle heavily linked with a move.

Martin O'Neill hailed Gareth Barry's display against Liverpool but admitted he feared he'd be playing against them three weeks ago.