McCann & Mellberg face deal talks

McCann, 29, and Mellberg, 29, both have 18 months remaining of their current deals and O'Neill is keen to sign up the duo on a long-term basis.

O'Neill said: "I don't like players going into the last year of their contracts without their future sorted.

"Gavin has been an unsung hero, while Olof has also been splendid."

O'Neill added: "There is more to Gavin's play than just someone who wins the ball while Olof has also filled in and done a good job at right-back when he was asked to.

"He has seemed reinvigorated to me. "

Mellberg has reportedly been a target for Spanish side Levante but O'Neill insisted there has been no contact with the club.

And Mellberg has expressed his desire to remain at Villa if they offer him a new contract.

He said: "I would like to stay at Villa if they offer me a new contract. Definitely. I am not looking to leave. There is no reason to say 'no' if there is a new contract offer."

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