Merson in shock Villa exit

Merson does not believe he'll be at Villa next season

Paul Merson is set to leave FA Cup finalists Aston Villa in the summer.

Merson made the shock announcement saying manager John Gregory was willing to transfer him.

The former England midfielder had asked for a one-year extension to the two years he has left on his current contract but Gregory was not forthcoming.

Merson said: "I want to stay at Aston Villa.

"If I could get another year I would finish my career there but after my discussions with the manager I can't see that happening.

"I would say it looks 90% certain that I won't be there next season."

Merson joined Villa from Middlesbrough in September 1998 for £6.75million and was an influential figure in their FA Cup campaign.

He announced his retirement from international football last February at the age of 32.

But his career has been blighted with booze binges, although Merson is now a reformed alcoholic.